Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has underlined the decisive role played by the Indian Navy during Operation Sindoor, stating that the force compelled the entire Pakistan Navy to remain confined to its ports.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Nausena Shaurya Vatika in Lucknow, an open-air naval museum, Singh emphasised that the Navy’s deployment in the Arabian Sea with full preparedness and strength maintained constant pressure on Pakistan, ensuring its naval units did not venture out during the conflict.

Operation Sindoor, launched on 7 May 2025 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, saw Indian forces conduct precision strikes on multiple terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The military confrontation was halted on 10 May after both sides reached an understanding.

Singh highlighted that the Nausena Shaurya Vatika showcases the legacy, operational capabilities and maritime achievements of the Indian Navy. He described the museum as a source of pride not only for Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh but also for the nation.

He noted that in the coming years, the facility would evolve into a centre of inspiration, a tourist hub, and one of the city’s defining landmarks. The inauguration was attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and deputy chief ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya. Developed jointly by the Indian Navy and the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, the museum is dedicated to the bravery, valour and technological excellence of the naval force.

Explaining the rationale for establishing a naval museum in a landlocked city, Singh said maritime security is linked to every citizen, as the Indian Ocean is vital to the nation’s economy, trade and energy requirements.

He stressed that the Navy is an asset of the entire nation, drawing strength from the resolve of citizens across villages, towns and cities. Referring to the decommissioned warship INS Gomati, which forms the centrepiece of the museum, Singh pointed out its symbolic connection with Lucknow.

Just as the Gomti river flows through the city to join the Ganga and eventually the sea, INS Gomati brought honour to Lucknow while serving in the Indian Ocean. Its crest even carried the image of Lucknow’s historic Chhatar Manzil.

Singh described the Shaurya Vatika as more than a tourist attraction, calling it a living centre of inspiration that will remind citizens of the sacrifices made by the armed forces. He said it would teach future generations the value of freedom and security, encouraging reflection on the immense contributions of those who safeguard daily life.

He also referred to India’s growing military preparedness and indigenous defence production capabilities. He noted that before 2014, India’s defence exports were worth less than ₹1,000 crore, but today the figure has risen to nearly ₹40,000 crore, with equipment being exported to countries worldwide.

Praising the transformation of Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Adityanath, Singh recalled that the state was once associated with criminal rule and poor law and order, deterring investors. He contrasted this with the present, where the state has shifted from “One District, One Mafia” to “One District, One Product.”

He commended Adityanath for personally ensuring the museum project was completed in record time, from budget approval to monitoring each stage of work. Singh also announced plans to enhance the attraction further, assuring citizens that efforts would be made to bring a submarine to the site.

The museum’s key attraction, INS Gomati, was decommissioned on 28 May 2022. Other exhibits include the ship’s anchor, CET-53M submarine obstacle equipment, main mast and propeller. Visitors will also be able to learn about maritime security, naval operations and the technological capabilities of the Indian Navy.

Singh’s remarks reinforced the enduring impact of Operation Sindoor, where India’s naval deployment not only showcased maritime strength but also forced Pakistan’s navy into a defensive posture, validating India’s ability to respond to asymmetric threats with deliberate and proportionate force.

PTI