At the Republic Day parade, the Indian Navy will show its military strength and strong determination to protect the country’s strategic interests at sea. This comes as worries around the world grow about the rising tensions in the Red Sea. Police said on Wednesday that the navy tableau at the parade at Kartavya Path on January 26 will also show the Navy’s “unwavering” dedication to “Nari Shakti,” with a main focus on women in all roles and ranks.
Three women from the Indian Navy will lead their platoons: Lt. Mudita Goyal, Lt. Sharvani Supreiya, and Lt. Devika H.
Officials say that 144 young men and women will be marching down the famous Kartavya path as part of the Navy for the first time. This shows that the Navy is committed to gender equality.
In the military tableau, the first fully indigenous Carrier Battle Group will be shown. It will include the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, her highly capable escort ships Delhi, Kolkata, and Shivalik, as well as a Kalvari class submarine, light combat aircraft, and an advanced light helicopter.
The GSAT-7 multi-band military communications satellite and the Rukmani satellite will also be on the table.
Navy controller of personnel services Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh said that the naval contingent’s attendance at the parade “would also reflect a resolve to safeguard the nation’s strategic interests” in addition to being a show of military strength.
The Vice Admiral told reporters that the scene would also show the Navy’s dedication to “Aatmanirbharta,” or self-reliance, in defense, as well as its focus on equality between men and women.
The Navy has 680 women officers right now, and it has hired 1,119 women as agents so far.
“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,” said Singh.
“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 stated.
After a string of attacks on commercial ships in the area, as well as attacks by Houthi militants on different ships, the Navy has already sent 10 to 12 warships to strategic areas, such as the Arabian Sea.
Singh said that the military tableau’s main idea is “Aatmanirbharta,” which shows the important achievements made by “Bharat.”
As of now, 64 of the 66 ships and submarines that are being built right now are being built at Indian ports.
“The main portion of the tableau features the first ever completely indigenous carrier battle group (CBG), with INS Vikrant being the strongest symbol of our nation’s vision, forming the core,” the Vice Admiral stated.
“As you know, the CBG is meant to show maritime power in the area we’re interested in.” “The INS Vikrant would be backed up by strong ships like the Kolkata, Delhi, and Shivalik classes, which can handle threats from many angles,” he said.
“Kalvari class submarines would work together.” The ISRO Rukmani satellite would help this CBG work. “The Kolkata class ships INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, and INS Chennai are now fighting pirates in the Arabian Sea,” he said.
Pirates tried to attack the cargo ship MV Lila Norfolk off the coast of Somalia, but INS Chennai was able to stop them.
“In the marching contingent, the Navy is parading a mixed composition platoon for the first time, wherein 144 young men and women will be marching down the historic Kartavya Path, shoulder to shoulder epitomising Navy’s commitment towards gender neutrality,” he stated.
Lt. Prajwal will be in charge of the navy group.
“The front portion of the tableau depicts Nari Shakti, emphasising the role of women in the Indian Navy with progressive induction in all ranks and all roles which is unique among all the services,” Vice-Admiral Singh explained.
“It shall also portray the Indian Navy emerging as a strong and cohesive institution embracing gender neutrality,” he stated.
