Indian Navy facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Indian Navy
Bhāratīya Nau Senā
Indian Navy crest
Founded	1612; 413 years ago (1612)
Country	India
Type	Navy
Size	67,228
Part of	Indian Armed Forces
Garrison/HQ	Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy)
Motto(s)	शं नो वरुणः (Sanskrit) Sham No Varunaḥ (IAST) May the Lord of the Water be auspicious unto us (English)
Colours	Navy blue, white
March	Jai Bharti (Victory to India)
Anniversaries	Navy Day: 4 December
Operational fleet	as of January 2018^[update] 1 aircraft carrier 1 amphibious transport dock< 8 landing ship tanks 11 destroyers 14 frigates 22 corvettes 4 mine countermeasure vessels 2 nuclear submarines 14 diesel submarines 29 patrol vessels 4 replenishment oilers other auxiliary vessels
Engagements	Major wars and operations First Opium War Second Opium War World War I World War II Portuguese-Indian War Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 Operation Lal Dora Operation Cactus Kargil War Anti-piracy operations in Somalia
Website	indiannavy.nic.in
Commanders
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS)	Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, ADC
Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS)	Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar, AVSM
Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS)	Vice Admiral G. Ashok Kumar, AVSM, VSM
Insignia
Naval Ensign
Aircraft flown
Fighter	MiG-29K
Helicopter	HAL Dhruv, Kamov Ka-28, Kamov Ka-31, Sea King Mk.42C, UH-3 Sea King
Patrol	Boeing P-8 Poseidon Ilyushin Il-38
Reconnaissance	IAI Heron, IAI Searcher Mk II
Trainer	BAE Hawk, HAL HJT-16

The Indian Navy is the part of the Indian Armed Forces that protects India's waters. It is led by the President of India, who is the Supreme Commander. The main leader of the navy is an Admiral called the Chief of Naval Staff.

The Indian Navy started a very long time ago, in 1612. It was first called the East India Company's Marine. Its job was to protect British trading ships. Later, when India became a republic in 1950, the navy was renamed the Indian Navy. Before that, it was known as the Royal Indian Navy since 1934.

The navy's main goal is to keep India's sea borders safe. It works with other parts of the armed forces to stop any threats or attacks against India's land, people, or interests at sea. The Indian Navy also helps build good relationships with other countries. It does this through joint training exercises, friendly visits, and helping people in need, like during natural disasters.

As of 2017, about 67,228 people serve in the Indian Navy. In 2018, the navy had many ships. These included one aircraft carrier, which is a huge ship that carries planes. It also had one amphibious transport dock, which can carry troops and vehicles. The fleet also included landing ship tanks, destroyers, frigates, and corvettes. For underwater missions, there were nuclear submarines and many regular submarines. The navy also uses mine countermeasure vessels, fleet tankers, and other support ships.

What Does the Indian Navy Do?
History of the Indian Navy
- Early Beginnings (1612-1947)
- After Independence (1947-Present)
Major Operations and Conflicts
Modern Fleet and Equipment
- Types of Ships
- Aircraft and Helicopters
Navy Day
Images for kids
See also

What Does the Indian Navy Do?

The Indian Navy has several important jobs. These jobs help keep India safe and strong.

Protecting Borders and Interests

The navy's main job is to guard India's long coastline and its islands. It makes sure no one enters India's waters without permission. The navy also protects India's trade routes at sea. These routes are vital for bringing goods into and out of the country.

Stopping Threats and Attacks

The Indian Navy works with the army and air force. Together, they stop any threats or attacks against India. This includes threats on land, at sea, or from the air. The navy is ready to act in both peaceful times and during wars.

Helping Other Countries

The Indian Navy often takes part in joint exercises with navies from other countries. This helps them learn from each other and work better together. The navy also goes on goodwill visits to different ports. These visits help build friendships between India and other nations.

Disaster Relief and Rescue

When natural disasters happen, like floods or tsunamis, the Indian Navy often helps. They send ships and personnel to deliver aid. They also help rescue people who are in danger. This shows their role in humanitarian missions.

History of the Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has a long and interesting history. It has changed a lot over the centuries.

Early Beginnings (1612-1947)

The navy started in 1612 as the East India Company's Marine. Its job was to protect British merchant ships. Over time, it grew and changed names. In 1830, it became Her Majesty's Indian Navy. Later, in 1934, it was called the Royal Indian Navy. This was during the time when India was under British rule.

After Independence (1947-Present)

When India became independent in 1947, the navy continued to grow. In 1950, when India became a republic, its name officially changed to the Indian Navy. Since then, it has become a very strong and modern naval force. It has taken part in many important operations and wars.

Major Operations and Conflicts

The Indian Navy has been involved in several important conflicts and operations. These events show its role in protecting India.

Wars with Pakistan

The navy played a key role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. During this war, it helped create a naval blockade. This blockade stopped supplies from reaching the enemy. It was a big reason for India's victory. The navy also took part in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and the Kargil War.

Anti-Piracy Missions

The Indian Navy is also active in stopping piracy. It sends ships to areas like Somalia to protect international shipping. This helps keep the seas safe for everyone.

Humanitarian Operations

Beyond fighting, the navy helps in humanitarian efforts. For example, it has been involved in Operation Cactus to help friendly nations. It also provides disaster relief when needed.

Modern Fleet and Equipment

The Indian Navy uses a variety of advanced ships and aircraft. These help it carry out its many missions.

Types of Ships

The navy's fleet includes large aircraft carriers, which are like floating airfields. It also has destroyers and frigates, which are powerful warships. Submarines operate secretly underwater. There are also smaller corvettes and patrol vessels for coastal defense. Support ships like replenishment oilers provide fuel and supplies at sea.

Aircraft and Helicopters

The Indian Navy uses different types of aircraft. MiG-29K fighter jets operate from aircraft carriers. Helicopters like the HAL Dhruv and Kamov Ka-28 are used for various tasks. Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft are used for long-range patrols and surveillance.

Navy Day

Every year, India celebrates Navy Day on December 4th. This day remembers the Indian Navy's brave actions during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. It is a day to honor the navy's service and sacrifices.

Images for kids

Three-mast sailship, c. 5th century
Chola territories during Rajendra Chola I, c. 1030
HMIS Bombay of Royal Indian Navy in Sydney Harbour during World War II
INS Kursura, an Indian submarine which played a vital role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war
Aircraft carrier INS Vikrant during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The ship played a crucial role in enforcing the naval blockade on East Pakistan and ensuring India's victory during the war.
Indian Navy flotilla including aircraft carrier INS Viraat escorting INS Vikramaditya on its way home in 2014
Guard of honour at the INA, 2012.
From top to bottom: INS Ranjit, INS Jyoti and INS Mysore
INS Vikrant and Destroyer INS Kolkata
Indian Navy personnel issued with NWU Type-1 camo replacing previous "No. 10" uniform
Indian Navy P-8I Neptune aircraft deployed in Seychelles
MiG-29K operates from INS Vikramaditya
HAL Dhruv during special operation
A Marine Commando during urban combat training at Malabar 2021.
INS Vikramaditya
INS Shakti, a Deepak-class fleet tanker
A MiG-29K of the Indian Navy
A Boeing P-8I of the Indian Navy
A Kamov Ka-31 helicopter lands on the USS Bunker Hill
INS Chakra, the nuclear attack submarine of the Indian Navy
Varunastra advanced heavyweight torpedo of the Indian Navy.
Barak 8 missile fired from INS Kochi
BrahMos supersonic cruise missile fired from INS Chennai during TROPEX 2017.
INS Mumbai with Indian Navy flag during International Fleet Review 2016
Milan exercise 2022 grows in size with 39 foreign countries participating from 4 in 1995
INS Satpura in the U.S for RIMPAC 2022
The Indian Navy's all-woman INSV Tarini crew at Lyttelton port (New Zealand), during their global circumnavigation expedition.
HAL TEDBF will replace the Mig-29K's in service.
The INS‘Himgiri’, the second of Indian Navy’s seven new stealth frigates, in Mumbai on December 14, 2020, which was the day she was launched.