The Indian Navy commissioned its latest naval base, INS Aravali, at Gurugram in a ceremony attended by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS). The event marked a significant milestone in strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and information dominance capabilities.
The ceremony began with a 50-men Guard of Honour for the CNS. Captain Sachin Kumar Singh, the first Commanding Officer of the unit, recited a Sanskrit invocation before reading the commissioning warrant. The commissioning plaque was unveiled by Mrs. Shashi Tripathi, President of the Naval Wives Welfare Association (NWWA), followed by the hoisting of the Naval Ensign to the National Anthem. With the anthem’s final note, the commissioning pennant was raised.
The occasion was also graced by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS), Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS), senior naval officers, and distinguished guests.
In his address, Admiral Tripathi highlighted the strategic importance of INS Aravali, describing it as a foundation for robust administrative and logistical support. “This new base will be a hub of technology and collaboration, linking our platforms and partners across the oceans. It embodies our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — and will further strengthen India’s role as the Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region,” he said.
Congratulating the commissioning crew, the CNS urged them to uphold the Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage as they pursue excellence through information dominance.
INS Aravali, named after the resilient Aravali mountain range, will play a crucial role in supporting the Navy’s information and communication centres, which form the backbone of India’s Command, Control, and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) framework.
Guided by the motto ‘सामुद्रिकसुरक्षायाः सहयोगं’ (Maritime Security through Collaboration), the base symbolizes India’s commitment to working seamlessly with naval units, MDA centres, and allied stakeholders. Its crest, featuring the Aravali mountains and a rising sun, represents strength, eternal vigilance, resilience, and the dawn of new technological capabilities.
With the commissioning of INS Aravali, the Navy has reinforced its pledge to safeguard India’s maritime interests through advanced communication, collaboration, and information-driven operations.
