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LUCKNOW : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that the Indian Navy forced “the entire Pakistan Navy to remain confined to its ports during Operation Sindoor”.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the ‘Nausena Shaurya Vatika’, an open-air naval museum here, Singh said, “The Navy played a significant role in maintaining pressure on Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
“Our Navy was deployed in the Arabian Sea with full preparedness and strength, maintaining constant pressure on the adversary. As a result, Pakistan’s entire Navy remained confined to its ports.”
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack, with Indian forces conducting precision strikes on multiple terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. The military conflict was halted after both sides reached an understanding on the evening of May 10.
Talking about the opening of the Nausena Shaurya Vatika, which has been designed to showcase the legacy, operational capabilities and maritime achievements of the Indian Navy, Singh said it is not only a moment of pride and honour for the people of Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh, “but also for us personally”.
“In the coming years, this facility will not only become a centre of inspiration for Lucknow but will also develop into a tourist hub and emerge as one of the city’s defining landmarks.”
Earlier, Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Saurya Vatika in the CG City area in the presence of Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and deputy chief ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya.
Developed jointly by the Indian Navy and the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, the museum is dedicated to the bravery, valour and technological excellence of the naval force.
On the rationale behind establishing the naval museum in a landlocked city like Lucknow, Singh said maritime security is linked to every citizen.
“The Indian Ocean is connected to our economy, trade and energy requirements. Those who safeguard it come from every village, town and city of India.
“The Navy is an asset of the entire nation, and its strength comes from the resolve and confidence of every citizen, whether they live by the sea or in a city like Lucknow,” Singh said.
Referring to the decommissioned warship INS Gomati, which forms the centrepiece of the museum, Singh highlighted its connection with Lucknow.
“Just as the Gomti river flows through the city and ultimately joins the Ganga and then the sea, INS Gomati brought honour to Lucknow while serving in the Indian Ocean. The ship’s crest even carried the image of Lucknow’s historic Chhatar Manzil,” the defence minister said.
Calling the Shaurya Vatika more than a tourist attraction, Singh said it would remind citizens of the sacrifices made by the armed forces.
“This is not an ordinary tourist destination but a living centre of inspiration. It will teach future generations the value of freedom and security. It will make people pause and reflect on the immense contributions of those who ensure the safety of our daily lives,” he said.
The defence minister also referred to India’s military preparedness and indigenous defence production capabilities.
“Our defence manufacturing output has risen considerably. Before 2014, India’s defence exports were worth less than Rs 1,000 crore. Today, we are exporting defence equipment worth nearly Rs 40,000 crore to countries around the world,” Singh said.
Praising the state government, Singh, who has represented Lucknow in the Lok Sabha since 2014, said Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a dramatic transformation under Yogi Adityanath.
“There was a time when Uttar Pradesh was identified with criminal rule and deteriorating law-and-order. People lived in fear and investors hesitated to come here.
“Today, a state once known for ‘One District, One Mafia’ has transformed into “One District, One Product’,” Singh said.
“Chief Minister Adityanath provided a prime location for the museum near the Ekana Stadium and adjoining the Gomti wetland. From budget approval to monitoring every important stage of the work, he personally ensured that it was completed in record time,” he said.
Announcing plans to further enhance the attraction, Singh said, “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.”
A key attraction at the museum is the INS Gomati that was decommissioned on May 28, 2022. The other exhibits include the ship’s anchor, CET-53M submarine obstacle equipment, main mast and propeller,an official statement said.
The visitors can also learn about maritime security, naval operations and the technological capabilities of the Indian Navy, it said. (Agencies)
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