What it does: The primary objective of the navy is to safeguard the nation's maritime borders.
Size and presence: Over 67,000 active personnel across India.
Best known for: The Indian Navy is a well-balanced and cohesive three-dimensional force, capable of operating above, on and under the surface of the oceans, efficiently safeguarding our national interests.
Maritime India Post-Independence
With the partition of India, post-independence, the Royal Indian Navy was divided into the Royal Indian Navy and the Royal Pakistan Navy. On 22 April 1958, Vice Admiral R D Katari, become the first Indian Naval Officer to take over as the Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy. Two-thirds of the Royal Indian Navy's assets remained with India and the balance went to Pakistan Navy. On 15 August 1947, Rear Admiral JTS Hall, RIN, was appointed as India's first Flag Officer Commanding Royal Indian Navy.
With India becoming a Republic on 26 January 1950, the prefix 'Royal' was dropped and it was rechristened as the Indian Navy. On 26 January 1950, the Crown of the Royal Indian Navy's Crest was replaced by Ashoka Lion Motif for the Indian Navy's Emblem. The invocation to Lord Varuna (The Sea God) in the Vedas was adopted by the Indian Navy for its emblem, with the Motto: “Sam no Varunah”, meaning: “Be auspicious unto us Oh Varuna”. The inscription of “Satyamev Jayate” below the State Emblem was included in the Indian Navy's Crest.
In Great Britain, the monarch used to present ‘Colours’ to the Navy, Army and Air Force as well as to the Commanders-in-Chief of the forces. This ‘King's Colour’ was paraded ashore on every special ceremonial occasion. In 1924, King George presented his colours to the British Navy. In 1935, the ‘King's Colours’ was presented to the Royal Indian Navy. India became a Republic on 26 January 1950. One day earlier, on 25 January, all 33 of the King’s Colours which had been presented to the Royal Indian Navy, Royal Indian Army and Royal Indian Air Force and their respective Commands were ‘laid up’ at the Indian Military Academy at Dehradun.
Colours were presented to the Indian Navy, by the then President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad on 27 May 1951. On 21 October 1944, Navy Day was celebrated for the first time. This was met with considerable success and aroused enthusiasm. Seeing its success, similar functions were organised every year on a larger scale and later in the season when the weather was cooler. Since 1972, Navy Day is being celebrated on 04 December to commemorate the very successful naval actions in the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the missile attack on Karachi Harbour during the India-Pakistan war of 1971 and to pay homage to all the martyrs of the war. During this time the Indian Naval Ships, aircraft and establishments are open to visitors and school children.
In the 21st century, the Indian Navy has played an important role in maintaining peace for India on the maritime front, in spite of the state of foment in its neighbourhood. It has been deployed for humanitarian relief in times of natural disasters and crises across the globe, as well as to keep India's maritime trade routes free and open.
Currently, the principal roles of the Indian Navy are:
India is a large country with diverse religions, cultures, traditions and values. The Navy draws its immensely talented personnel from communities of all kinds from all across the country. In the Navy, we have an ethos of equality and therefore men from different backgrounds and diverse cultures who join us are brought together without showing any bias to a particular person or group. We are resolutely committed to ensuring that all personnel are treated equally and equal opportunities are provided at work and training. The advancement in the career is based solely on individual merits and ability.
The recruitment process varies depending on each job title.
A career in the Navy will provide ample opportunities to be able to prove your leadership skills. As your career progresses upwards, you’ll find yourself shouldering greater responsibilities of managing larger and more complex teams and equipment. You will contribute to the safety and success of those around you. With time, you will hone the skills you need to motivate, train and communicate effectively. Skills that will benefit you beyond the Navy and in your everyday life.
Benefits vary depending on the job title. Some of the benefits include: