New Delhi: The Indian Navy commissioned its latest naval base, INS Aravali, at Gurugram on September 12, 2025. The commissioning was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS).
Ceremonial Induction with Traditional Honours
The commissioning ceremony featured a 50-men Guard of Honour for the CNS. Captain Sachin Kumar Singh, the unit’s first Commanding Officer, recited a Sanskrit invocation and read the commissioning warrant. Mrs. Shashi Tripathi, President of NWWA, unveiled the commissioning plaque. The Naval Ensign was hoisted to the National Anthem, followed by the commissioning pennant raised on the mast.
The event was attended by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, senior naval officers, and distinguished guests.
Strategic Role in Information Dominance
In his address, Admiral Tripathi emphasized that INS Aravali will serve as a foundation for robust administrative and logistical support. He noted that the base embodies the Prime Minister’s vision of MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The CNS stressed its role as a hub of technology and collaboration, reinforcing India’s position as the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
Congratulating the crew, the CNS urged them to uphold the Navy’s values of duty, honour, and courage while advancing excellence in information dominance.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Domain Awareness
INS Aravali, named after the resilient Aravali mountain range, will support multiple information and communication centres of the Navy. These centres are vital for India’s command, control, and maritime domain awareness (MDA) framework. Guided by the motto ‘सामुद्रिकसुरक्षायाः सहयोगं’ or ‘Maritime Security through Collaboration’, the base highlights cooperative engagement with naval units, MDA centres, and allied stakeholders.
Crest Symbolism: Vigilance and Resilience
The crest of INS Aravali features mountain imagery representing the Aravali range, symbolising strength and steadfastness. The rising sun signifies resilience, energy, and eternal vigilance, while also reflecting advancements in communications and MDA technologies. The crest captures the base’s enduring commitment to safeguard India’s maritime interests.
