Navy Day celebrations end with Beating Retreat ceremony

Navy Day celebrations came to an end with the performance of a 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony across different locations in the country on Sunday.

Navy personnel took part in demonstrations and displays amidst a cheering crowd that thronged in huge numbers to witness the event.

Indian Navy Day is celebrated to commemorate the start of Operation Trident during the India-Pakistan War of 1971. The navy sank three Pakistani vessels near Karachi during the operation which saw the use of anti-ship missiles in the region for the first time.

In Mumbai, personnel demonstrated various naval exercises, showcasing their valour and capability at the iconic Gateway of India.

Besides high speed demos were also showcased by fast attack crafts during the ceremony.

Similar scenes were played out in southern port city of Visakhapatnam where navy personnel took part in different activities.

According to local media reports, a total of 24 ships and 17 naval aircraft took part in this year's demonstration at Visakhapatnam.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended an "At Home" event organised at the New Delhi residence of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba on Sunday evening.

This year, the celebrations were held on the theme of 'Indian Navy: A Professional Force - Anchoring stability, security and national prosperity'.