Navy Chief underlines U.P.’s contributions to force at ‘Shaurya Vatika’ opening

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi on Saturday (May 30, 2026) said that Uttar Pradesh, despite being a landlocked state, has a deep connection with the sea as he highlighted the region's historical maritime links and its contributions to the Indian Navy.

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Admiral Tripathi was in Lucknow for the inauguration of the ‘Nausena Shaurya Vatika’ — an open-air museum designed to showcase the legacy, operational capabilities, and maritime achievements of the Indian Navy — by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Addressing the gathering, Admiral Tripathi thanked Mr. Singh and Mr. Adityanath, whose “vision, support, and leadership have made the Nausena Shaurya Vatika a reality today”.

Explaining the rationale behind setting up the maritime-themed centre in Uttar Pradesh, the Navy chief said, “Although this is a landlocked state, it has never been far from the sea."

“Before the advent of railways and highways, rivers such as the Ganga, Gomti, and Ghaghara connected the Awadh region to the Kolkata port and global trade routes.

"Banarasi silk reached even the Roman empire through maritime trade, while hardwood and metallurgical resources from Uttar Pradesh contributed to shipbuilding,” said Admiral Tripathi, who retires from service on May 31, and will be succeeded by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.

Underlining that Uttar Pradesh continues to make significant contributions to the armed forces, the Admiral said, “A large number of officers, sailors, and Agniveers in the Navy come from Uttar Pradesh. Perhaps that is why it is home to the largest number of military veterans in the country," he said.

Highlighting the state's naval heritage, he referred to INS Gomti, named after the Gomti river.

"Commissioned in 1988, INS Gomti participated in Operation Cactus and Operation Parakram. It carried the flags of India and Uttar Pradesh across the world through decades of service till it was decommissioned in 2022," he said.

The Navy Chief also said the exhibits at the Vatika, including aircraft, missiles, guns, and radars, would help young people understand the importance of maritime security.

“These displays not only reflect the deep and enduring relationship between the Indian Navy and Uttar Pradesh, but also inspire the youth to understand the country's maritime security,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of maritime security for India's economic growth, Admiral Tripathi said, “It is an established fact that India's economic progress and trade development are intrinsically linked to the sea. The Navy ensures that our sea lanes remain secure and open, and that India's maritime trade continues to grow uninterrupted.” He also highlighted Uttar Pradesh's growing role in defence manufacturing through initiatives such as the defence industrial corridor and the BrahMos facility in Lucknow.

"In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Uttar Pradesh today provides not only valuable manpower to the armed forces but also offers versatile missile systems and indigenous capabilities,” he said.

Calling the Nausena Vatika more than a museum, Admiral Tripathi said, “This is a symbol of Uttar Pradesh's proud contribution to strengthening the nation's defence every day.”

Expressing confidence about its future impact, he added, “I am certain that the Nausena Shaurya Vatika will emerge as a source of national pride, maritime awareness, and patriotism in the years to come.”