The Indian Navy bid an emotional farewell to INS Abhay and IN FAC T-82 as the two frontline vessels were decommissioned at sunset on Sunday during a poignant ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, marking the end of over three decades of distinguished service to the nation.
The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command (FOC-in-C WNC), who was the Chief Guest for the event. The solemn occasion was attended by senior naval officers, dignitaries, the commissioning crew, and several former Commanding Officers who once led the ships during their operational tenure.
INS Abhay and IN FAC T-82 were paid off under the command of Commander Abhay Kumar Singh and Lieutenant Commander Adishesh Mishra, respectively.
Commissioned in the late 1980s and early 1990s, both vessels served the Indian Navy with distinction, contributing to coastal defence operations, surveillance missions, and maritime security patrols across India’s western seaboard. Over the years, they played a pivotal role in ensuring the nation’s maritime readiness and supporting joint naval exercises.
As the sun set over the Arabian Sea, the national flag and naval ensign were lowered for the last time, symbolising the end of their active service — a moment that evoked pride, nostalgia, and reverence among the officers and sailors present.
The decommissioning of these ships reflects the Navy’s ongoing process of modernisation and fleet renewal, as newer and more advanced vessels join service to strengthen India’s maritime capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
