Navy’s tableau at R-Day parade to reflect Atmanirbharta and Nari Shakti

Officials said the naval contingent will comprise 144 young men and women, marching shoulder to shoulder on Kartavya Path, reflecting its commitment as a strong and gender-neutral force.

The Navy’s tableau will also depict the second contemporary theme: Sea Power Across the Oceans Through Indigenisation. It will depict the Navy’s fully indigenous Carrier Battle Group, comprising aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, her escort ships Delhi, Kolkata, Shivalik, and Kalvari class submarine, apart from light combat aircraft and advanced light helicopter.

It will also feature multi-band military communications satellite GSAT-7 and Rukmani satellite.

Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, the Navy’s controller of personnel services, said the naval contingent’s participation at the parade will not only display military might, but will also reflect a resolve to safeguard the nation’s strategic interests.

The senior officer said the tableau will also display the Navy’s commitment towards atmanirbharta in defence as well as its focus on gender neutrality. The Navy has 680 women officers and it has recruited 1,119 women Agniveers.

“Our tableau this year encapsulates the narrative of a Navy that is not only safeguarding the maritime frontiers but also shaping a future where self-reliance and the empowerment of every individual irrespective of gender, are paramount,” he said.

“It stands as a resounding affirmation of India’s maritime prowess and the inclusive strides taken in the journey towards a self-reliant and equitable nation,” he said.

The Navy has deployed more than 10 warships in the Arabian Sea after a series of piracy incidents and attacks on merchant vessels in the region by Houthi militants.

At present, out of the 66 ships and submarines under construction, 64 are being built at Indian shipyards.

“The main portion of the tableau features the first completely indigenous Carrier Battle Group (CBG), with INS Vikrant being the strongest symbol of our nation’s vision, forming the core,” the Vice Admiral said.

He said the CBG is meant to project maritime power in India’s area of interest.

“INS Vikrant will be supported by powerful combatants such as Kolkata, Delhi, and Shivalik class of ships, which are capable of dealing with multi-dimensional threats,” he said.

He said the Kalvari class submarine will be operating in tandem and this CBG will be supported by ISRO’s Rukmani satellite. “Kolkata class ships INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, and INS Chennai are now deployed in the Arabian Sea for anti-piracy operations,” he said.

INS Chennai was part of the operation that foiled the piracy attack on merchant vessel MV Lila Norfolk in the Arabian Sea.