Operation trident 🔱 — Indian Navy Day 🇮🇳
India has one of the best Naval forces, tracing rich heritage back to Chola dynasty. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj being father of Indian Navy who always carried out fierce operations with excellent executions, Indian navy also did something which awestruck whole world. Operation trident which took place on 4th December 1971. Hence 4th December is celebrated as Indian Navy Day since then.
Prologue
There had been tension between India and pakistan, main reason being seperation of pakistan from Indian mainland which had divided pakistan into east and west pakistan. An election took place in pakistan in March 1970 which lead to massacre of more than 30 million people in east pakistan (now known as Bangladesh)by pakistani army under General Tika Khan.
Because of this terror huge population started migrating from Bangladesh to India. India having high sense of justice wanted to punish pakistan for these evil deeds but not being in situation to fight a war it had been postponed, but not settled.
The Begining
Fast forward, On 3 December 1971 Pakistan attacked the Indian airfields along the Indo-pak border which officially began 1971 war. India decided to go all out this time unlike 1965 war. Primary mission of this operation was to set ablaze karachi harbour which was very essential to pakistan because it was only way for pakistan to have their import/export since restricted air transport was there, which was gonna cost a fortune to pakistani economy.
Execution — Commanding officer of these operations were Admiral S.N. Nanda, Vice admiral Sourendra Nath Kohli, Commander Babru Nath Yadav.
Boats chosen for the mission were INS NIPAT, INS NIRGHAT and INS VEER.
On 4th December 1971, at 10:30 pm India did its first strike. Since pakistan didn’t possess night bombing the mission was planned to be taken place between dusk-dawn.
Casualties —
Operation trident is considered as one of the most successful naval operation, because there were no casualities on the Indian side but karachi harbour had been devastated without pakistan realising their fate, pakistan navy thought it was an air strike which sank their ships which wasn’t the truth and they were left baffled. Before this was sank in, India already had their next target on radar — 'oil tanks' (primary fuel storage facilities on the port) which was gonna leave karachi harbour devastated. By this time Indian ships were making their way home but there was more to it, pakistan army hit a self goal by attacking their own ships (assuming it was an Indian Ship).
War ultimatum —
India also carried out operation python just 3 days after successful execution of operations trident, which was cherry on the top for India cakey smooth victory due to titanic efforts of Indian Navy.
This operation turned out to be decider for the 1971 war, India scoring a victory as usual. However this time major outcome of this war was Liberation of Bangladesh, which saved millions of lives in near future.
Honours — For the extraordinary planning and flawless execution of this operation all three missile boat commanders were awarded with Veer Chakra, while “Killer squadron" leader was awarded with Mahaveer chakra
Tribute to all these bravehearts who continued rich history of Indian Naval Warfare. We always will be thankful to you.
🌊 “ शं नो वरुणः"🌊
“May the varuna (lord of sea) be auspicious onto us"
🇮🇳 भारत माता की जय 🇮🇳
