Lucknow, May 30: 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.

New Delhi, May 30: Outgoing Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan on Saturday described his tenure as “very satisfying” as he wrapped up a three-year-and-eight-month stint at the top military post, during which he focused on bringing synergy among the three services.

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani (retd) will take charge as India’s next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on Sunday.

“I had a very satisfying and excellent tenure,” the outgoing CDS told reporters after he was accorded a ceremonial tri-services guard of honour.

Gen Chauhan, a former Eastern Army Commander, took charge as the country’s senior-most military commander in September 2022, over nine months after the first CDS General Bipin Rawat died in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.

As Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Chauhan played a key role in planning and implementation of Operation Sindoor along with the three service chiefs.

During his tenure, he focused on ensuring tri-services synergy to enhance India’s military prowess in view of the evolving regional security scenario.

The Chief of Defence Staff also initiated a number of measures towards India’s plan to roll out the theaterisation model by creating integrated military commands.

“It’s a matter of great honour for me to superannuate with a tri-services guard of honour. I thank the three services and Headquarters IDS (Integrated Defence Staff) for it. With the conclusion of the guard of honour, I bid farewell to my colleagues in uniform, comrades in arms,” Gen Chauhan said.

“I just laid the wreath at the War Memorial for the last time in uniform, as a humble tribute to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty. After the wreath laying, I was welcomed by friends, relatives and well-wishers. This is symbolic of my transition from uniform to civilian life,” he said.

Gen Chauhan’s tenure was to end on September 30 last year, but he was given an extension.

He had retired from service in May 2021 in the rank of lieutenant general, but assumed the rank of a four-star General after taking charge as India’s second Chief of Defence Staff.

Gen Chauhan was the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) when Indian fighter jets pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan’s Balakot in February 2019. He was known to have provided key inputs for the operation.

Born on May 18, 1961, Gen Chauhan was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army in 1981.

In his distinguished career, Gen Chauhan held several command, staff and instrumental appointments and had extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeast India.

The officer is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.

In the rank of Maj General, the officer had commanded an Infantry Division in the critical Baramulla sector in the Northern Command.

Later, he commanded a corps in the Northeast and subsequently went on to become the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command.

Gen Chauhan was awarded with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal for his exemplary services to the Indian Army.

Pune, May 30: Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday said Operation Sindoor had set a benchmark for when national will was expressed with precision and resolve, defining India’s response to provocation.

Reviewing the passing-out parade of the 150th course at NDA, Khadakwasla, General Dwivedi said the world cadets were stepping into “does not pause for introductions” and threats today “do not always arrive in uniform or on a declared front”.

“From contested grey zones to high-velocity hybrid warfare, today’s security environment demands that those who serve must think sharply as they act,” he said while addressing the parade.

“Operation Sindoor demonstrated that and set the benchmark when national will was expressed with precision and resolve, defining how Bharat responds to provocation. That standard now belongs to you to uphold,” the Army Chief said.

He said that the integrated response seen in Operation Sindoor, India’s military exercise against terror infrastructure in Pakistan in May 2025, was built on the kind of jointness the NDA instils from day one.

“As our defence services deepen their integrated structures, remember, irrespective of the uniform we wear next, you will serve shoulder to shoulder again — both men and women,” he said.

Calling the occasion “a poignant and a particularly personal moment”, General Dwivedi recalled passing out from the same quarterdeck over 42 years ago.

“Today, as I stand before you at the far end of a life in uniform, preparing to doff mine as you prepare to don yours, I can tell you with certainty: what you begin here endures forever,” he said.

He complimented the parade commander and cadets for an “impressive standard of drill” and extended special compliments to Cheetah Squadron for winning the banner.

He also acknowledged 24 cadets from 12 friendly foreign countries passing out with the course, saying, “You came from different soils, but you leave shaped by the same ground and the same values.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the Border Security Force (BSF) for safeguarding some of the country’s most difficult borders over the last 60 years and said the government is working to further strengthen border security through advanced technology and improved infrastructure.

Addressing a programme, Amit Shah said BSF personnel serve in extremely harsh conditions ranging from minus 45 degrees to over 45 degrees Celsius, from the icy regions of Kashmir to the deserts of Rajasthan and the marshlands of Sir Creek and Harami Nala.

He said more than 2,000 BSF personnel have sacrificed their lives in service of the nation and described the force as the country’s “First Line of Defence”.

The Home Minister said a centre has been established in Banaskantha to help citizens understand the difficult duties performed by BSF personnel. According to him, over 2.5 lakh people have visited the centre in the last month.

Amit Shah said the government has undertaken major efforts to strengthen security infrastructure in the Sir Creek and Harami Nala regions, including construction of watchtowers, roads, fencing, accommodation and drinking water facilities.

He added that the government aims to establish a “quadrangular security grid” and move towards a new concept of “territorial security” involving cooperation between the public, civil administration, police, military and the BSF.

Under the Smart Border Security Project, the government is deploying drones, radars, watchtowers and other advanced technologies to strengthen border security, he said.