Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “The Indian Navy forced Pakistan’s naval forces to remain confined to their ports during Operation Sindoor.”
Addressing the inauguration of the Nausena Shaurya Vatika in Lucknow, Singh said, ”The Navy maintained relentless pressure on Pakistan throughout the operation. According to him, India’s deployment in the Arabian Sea strengthened the country’s military posture and limited Pakistan’s naval options.”
“Our Navy was deployed in the Arabian Sea with full preparedness and strength. It maintained constant pressure on the adversary. As a result, Pakistan’s entire Navy remained confined to its ports,” Singh said.
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian forces struck multiple terrorist facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir with precision attacks. The military confrontation ended on May 10 after both countries reached an understanding.
Maritime Security Is a National Responsibility
Singh used the occasion to stress that maritime security affects every Indian, not just those living in coastal states.
“The Indian Ocean is connected to our economy, trade and energy requirements. Those who protect it come from every village, town and city of India,” he said.
He argued that the Indian Navy belongs to the entire nation and draws its strength from the confidence and resolve of ordinary citizens. He also said the decision to establish a naval museum in Lucknow reflects the Navy’s national character and its role in protecting India’s interests across the region.
A New Landmark for Lucknow
Earlier in the day, Singh inaugurated the Nausena Shaurya Vatika in Lucknow’s CG City area. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya attended the ceremony.
The Indian Navy and the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department jointly developed the museum. The project showcases the Navy’s bravery, technological achievements and operational history.
Singh called the museum a matter of pride for Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh. He said it would emerge as a major tourist attraction and a lasting source of inspiration.
“This is not an ordinary tourist destination. It is a living centre of inspiration. It will teach future generations the value of freedom and security,” he said.
INS Gomati Forms the Centrepiece
The decommissioned warship INS Gomati forms the centrepiece of the museum. The vessel completed its service on May 28, 2022.
Singh highlighted the ship’s connection with Lucknow. He noted that the Gomti River flows through the city before joining the Ganga and eventually reaching the sea. He also pointed out that INS Gomati carried the image of Lucknow’s historic Chhatar Manzil on its crest.
The museum also displays the ship’s anchor, main mast, propeller and CET-53M submarine obstacle equipment. Visitors can explore exhibits on maritime security, naval operations and advanced naval technology.
Singh also announced plans to bring a submarine to the site in the future.
“I want to assure the people of Uttar Pradesh, especially those in Lucknow, that efforts will be made to bring a submarine to this site,” he said.
Defence Exports Reach New Heights
The Defence Minister highlighted the growth of India’s defence manufacturing sector. He said defence exports stood at less than ₹1,000 crore before 2014. Today, India exports defence equipment worth nearly ₹40,000 crore to countries around the world.
Singh also praised Uttar Pradesh’s transformation under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He contrasted the state’s past reputation with its current development model.
“There was a time when Uttar Pradesh was identified with criminal rule and poor law and order. People lived in fear and investors stayed away. Today, a state once known for ‘One District, One Mafia’ has transformed into ‘One District, One Product’,” he said.
He credited Adityanath with closely monitoring the museum project from approval to completion. He also noted that the state government provided prime land near the Ekana Stadium and the Gomti wetland for the facility.
With its focus on naval history, national security and military innovation, the Nausena Shaurya Vatika stands as a new symbol of India’s maritime ambitions and the Navy’s growing role in the country’s strategic outlook.