Lucknow, May 30: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Saturday that the Indian Navy successfully contained the entire Pakistan Navy within its ports during Operation Sindoor, highlighting the naval force’s significant role in maintaining pressure on Pakistan.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Singh made these remarks at the inauguration ceremony of the ‘Nausena Shaurya Vatika’, an open-air naval museum in Lucknow. He asserted that the Indian Navy was deployed in the Arabian Sea with full preparedness, exerting constant pressure on the adversary, which resulted in the Pakistan Navy being confined to its ports.
Operation Sindoor was initiated on May 7, 2025, as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian forces carried out precision strikes on multiple terror infrastructure sites located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The military engagement concluded after an understanding was reached between the two nations on the evening of May 10.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Nausena Shaurya Vatika, designed to exhibit the legacy, operational capabilities, and maritime achievements of the Indian Navy, Singh described the event as a moment of pride and honour not only for the people of Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh but also on a personal level.
He expressed confidence that in the coming years, the facility would serve as a significant centre of inspiration for Lucknow and evolve into a tourist hub and a defining landmark for the city.
The Shaurya Vatika was inaugurated by Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the CG City area. The ceremony was attended by Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, along with deputy chief ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya.
The museum, a joint initiative by the Indian Navy and the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, is dedicated to showcasing the bravery, valour, and technological prowess of the naval force.
Addressing the rationale behind establishing a naval museum in a landlocked city like Lucknow, Singh emphasized that maritime security is intrinsically linked to every citizen’s life. He noted that the Indian Ocean plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy, trade, and energy requirements.
Singh further stated that the individuals who safeguard these maritime interests hail from every corner of India, whether villages, towns, or cities. He described the Navy as an asset of the entire nation, drawing its strength from the resolve and confidence of every citizen, regardless of whether they reside by the sea or in an inland city like Lucknow.
The Defence Minister drew attention to the decommissioned warship INS Gomati, which serves as the centrepiece of the museum, and its connection with Lucknow. He drew a parallel between the Gomti river flowing through the city and eventually merging with the Ganga and then the sea, and how INS Gomati brought honour to Lucknow while serving in the Indian Ocean. The ship’s crest, he added, featured an image of Lucknow’s historic Chhatar Manzil.
Describing the Shaurya Vatika as more than just a tourist attraction, Singh stated that it would serve as a constant reminder to citizens of the sacrifices made by the armed forces. He characterized it as a living centre of inspiration that would educate future generations on the value of freedom and security and prompt reflection on the immense contributions of those who ensure daily safety.
The Defence Minister also touched upon India’s military preparedness and its growing indigenous defence production capabilities. He reported a significant increase in defence manufacturing output, with defence exports rising from less than Rs 1,000 crore before 2014 to approximately Rs 40,000 crore currently.
Praising the state government, Singh, who has represented Lucknow in the Lok Sabha since 2014, commended the transformation witnessed in Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He contrasted the past, when the state was associated with criminal rule and poor law and order, with its current identity as a state promoting ‘One District, One Product’ initiatives.
Singh credited Chief Minister Adityanath for providing a prime location for the museum near the Ekana Stadium, adjacent to the Gomti wetland, and personally overseeing the project to ensure its completion in record time.
Announcing future plans to enhance the attraction, Singh expressed his commitment to efforts to bring a submarine to the site for public display, a move that would further bolster the museum’s appeal for the people of Uttar Pradesh, especially in Lucknow.
A key exhibit at the museum is the INS Gomati, which was decommissioned on May 28, 2022. Additional exhibits include the ship’s anchor, CET-53M submarine obstacle equipment, and its main mast and propeller, according to an official statement. Visitors can also gain insights into maritime security, naval operations, and the technological advancements of the Indian Navy.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
