Thiruvananthapuram: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday led the Navy Day 2025 celebrations, praising the Indian Navy’s selfless service, maritime security leadership, and humanitarian commitment during a grand operational demonstration on the Thiruvananthapuram coastline.

Addressing naval personnel and dignitaries, the President said Navy Day honours the supreme sacrifice and dedication of the men and women of the Indian Navy in defending the nation. She noted that the people of India remain “deeply grateful” for their professionalism, discipline, passion, and patriotism.

President Murmu highlighted the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), describing it as a vital maritime space for global trade and energy movement. Positioned at the heart of the IOR, India carries a “special responsibility” to ensure open, stable and rules-based oceans, she said.

“As per our vision of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', India's approach is collaborative rather than competitive. Our country is promoting shared awareness, capacity building, and the peaceful use of the seas,” the President added.

Indian Navy: From defence to disaster relief

President Murmu reaffirmed that the Indian Navy remains the principal guardian of India’s maritime interests, playing a decisive role in deterring threats, combating piracy, securing the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and safeguarding freedom of navigation. 

She also underlined the Navy’s critical role as a humanitarian first responder in the Indian Ocean Region, rescuing stranded citizens, delivering aid, and providing disaster relief in times of crisis. The President said she is confident that new initiatives under the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision will further enhance maritime domain awareness and collective security. 

In her words,"From deterring threats to combating piracy, from securing our Exclusive Economic Zone to ensuring freedom of navigation, the Navy's role extends well beyond traditional defence. The Navy also exemplifies India's humanitarian aspect. In crises across the Indian Ocean Region, it has acted as the first responder: evacuating citizens, providing succour, and delivering humanitarian assistance. She expressed confidence that new initiatives undertaken under the SAGAR vision will enhance maritime domain awareness, provide humanitarian aid, and ensure security for the international maritime community."

Blue economy and maritime sustainability

Calling the Blue Economy a key driver of India’s long-term sustainable development, President Murmu said the Indian Navy is indispensable to national efforts to secure sea routes, protect marine resources, curb illegal activities, and support maritime research.

These contributions strengthen India’s vision of safe, prosperous and sustainable oceans, she added.

Navy Day legacy

India observes Navy Day on December 4 every year to honour the role of the Indian Navy and commemorate the success of Operation Trident, the landmark naval assault during the 1971 Indo-Pak War that showcased India’s maritime power.

ANI inputs