Mumbai, December 04: The Indian Navy celebrates Navy Day on December 4 every year, to commemorate the courageous attack on the Karachi harbour during the Indo-Pakistan war on December 4, 1971, by the Indian Naval Missile boats. The day was also celebrated to pay tributes to all the martyrs of the war. The naval ships, armed to the teeth, stealthily manoeuvred off Karachi, and unleashed a lethal missile attack that left the port ablaze and destroyed several enemy warships. Navy Day 2018: 'Only Dignified Activities Will be Allowed Onboard Decommissioned Aircraft Carrier Viraat', Says Vice Admiral Girish Luthra.

On the occasion of the Navy Day, President Ram Nath Kovind, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian armed forces took to Twitter to extend his wishes to all personnel of the Indian Navy. President Kovind wrote, "On Navy Day, my good wishes to all men and women of the Indian Navy. Nation is proud of your commitment to protecting our maritime frontiers, securing our trade routes, and providing assistance in times of humanitarian emergencies #PresidentKovind"."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Indian Navy for its contribution during wars and, especially during disaster relief. The PM tweeted, “ "Navy Day greetings to all valorous personnel of the Indian Navy and their families. India is grateful to our Navy for protecting the nation and the commendable role the Navy plays during disaster relief."

Union Minister Piyush Goyal took to Twitter to appreciate the efforts of the Indian Navy in protecting the nation’s waters. He tweeted, "I salute our Navy personnel for the impregnable spirit, devotion with which they serve & protect our Motherland."

Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore salute the indomitable spirit and valour of the Indian Navy through his tweet on the occasion of the Navy day. He wrote, "On #NavyDay, let us salute the indomitable spirit and valor of Indian Navy, the guardians of our oceans. We commemorate this day in memory of Op Trident, when, in '71, Cdr BB Yadav & his missile boat fleet attacked Karachi & Pak Navy in a daring move."

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh extended his wishes to all the ranks of the Indian Navy. He tweeted, "Navy Day is celebrated to honour the victorious, martyrs and veterans of the Indian Navy. This day also serves as a reminder to our enemies, of our strength and valour when the hour beckons. My best wishes to all ranks of the Indian Navy. Jai Hind."

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba On Monday stressed on the modernisation of the force. Addressing a press conference ahead of the Navy Day on December 4, Admiral Lanba said that the strength of the Indian Navy has improved a lot after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The Naval chief also supported the central government’s ‘make in India’ campaign. He said that the navy would soon induct 32 indigenously built ships.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 04, 2018 11:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).