Lucknow, May 30: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the Indian Navy maintained strategic pressure on Pakistan during ‘Operation Sindoor,’ resulting in the neighbouring country’s naval forces remaining restricted to their harbours throughout the military engagement.
Speaking after inaugurating the Nausena Shaurya Vatika, an open-air naval museum in Lucknow, Singh, said the Navy played a key role in India’s military response following the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam.
“The Navy remained deployed with full operational readiness in the Arabian Sea and exerted continuous pressure on the adversary,” Singh said. “As a consequence, Pakistan’s naval assets largely remained confined to their ports.”
Pertinently, ‘Operation Sindoor’ was launched on May 7 last year in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead. To avenge the attack Indian armed forces carried out strikes on terrorist camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Singh said the coordinated actions of the armed forces demonstrated India’s preparedness and ability to respond to threats against national security.
The Defence Minister was joined at the inauguration by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
Developed jointly by the Indian Navy and the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, the museum seeks to showcase the history, achievements and operational capabilities of the naval force.
Singh said the facility would help increase public awareness about maritime security and inspire younger generations to learn about the role of the Navy.
Explaining the choice of Lucknow for the project, despite the city being far from the coastline, Singh said maritime security has a direct bearing on the country’s economy, trade and energy interests.
“The security of the oceans is linked to the prosperity of every citizen. Sailors who protect India’s maritime interests come from all parts of the country, including inland regions,” he said.
One of the main attractions at the museum is INS Gomati, a warship decommissioned in 2022. Components of the vessel, including its anchor, mast and propeller, have been preserved and displayed for visitors.
Singh noted the symbolic connection between the ship and the Gomti river that flows through Lucknow, saying the vessel had brought distinction to the city during its years of service.
The museum also houses naval equipment and exhibits aimed at familiarising visitors with maritime operations and naval technology. The Defence Minister said efforts are underway to add a submarine exhibit in the future.
Highlighting progress in the defence sector, Singh said India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities have expanded significantly over the past decade.
He said defence exports, which were below Rs 1,000 crore before 2014, have increased substantially and are now reaching several countries across the world.
The minister also praised Uttar Pradesh’s development trajectory and said the state had witnessed considerable growth in recent years. (KNO)
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