Indian Navy Commissions INS Aravali at Gurugram: A New Hub of Maritime Security and Technological Collaboration
Gurugram | September 12, 2025
In a landmark development for India’s maritime security architecture, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Aravali, its newest Naval Base at Gurugram, Haryana, on Thursday, September 12, 2025. The historic ceremony was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), who underlined the importance of this base in strengthening India’s role as the “Preferred Security Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region.
A Ceremony Rooted in Tradition and Pride
The commissioning ceremony unfolded with the grandeur and solemnity befitting a moment of national significance. Admiral Tripathi was accorded a 50-men Guard of Honour, symbolising the Navy’s precision, discipline, and ceremonial traditions.
The formal proceedings commenced with Captain Sachin Kumar Singh, the first Commanding Officer of INS Aravali, invoking a Sanskrit prayer and reading the commissioning warrant—an ancient tradition that bridges India’s maritime heritage with its modern naval future.
In a deeply symbolic moment, Mrs. Shashi Tripathi, President of the Naval Wives Welfare Association (NWWA), unveiled the commissioning plaque. Simultaneously, the Naval Ensign was hoisted to the resonant notes of the National Anthem, and the commissioning pennant was proudly broken on the mast, officially marking the birth of INS Aravali.
Distinguished Presence
The ceremony witnessed the participation of the Navy’s top brass, including Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS) and Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS), along with senior officers and distinguished civilian dignitaries.
Their presence underscored the strategic importance of INS Aravali, not just as a logistical and administrative facility, but as a nerve centre for advanced communication and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
CNS Highlights Strategic Role of INS Aravali
Addressing the gathering, CNS Admiral Tripathi described INS Aravali as a “foundation for robust administrative and logistical support”, designed to keep pace with the Navy’s increasing scale, sophistication, and strategic responsibilities.
He emphasized that the new Naval Base would serve as both a hub of technology and collaboration, strengthening India’s maritime outreach and embodying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
“This base will not only enhance seamless operations across our platforms but also link our partners across oceans, thereby strengthening India’s stature in the Indian Ocean Region,” the CNS remarked.
He further exhorted the commissioning crew to uphold the Navy’s timeless core values of Duty, Honour, and Courage, as they “chart their course towards excellence through information dominance.”
INS Aravali: Symbol of Vigilance and Technological Edge
INS Aravali draws its name from the Aravali Range, one of the world’s oldest mountain systems, symbolising resilience, strength, and unwavering guardianship. Like its namesake, the base is envisioned as a pillar of steadfast support for the Navy’s information and communication infrastructure.
The facility will play a pivotal role in command, control, and MDA operations, ensuring India’s naval forces maintain cutting-edge situational awareness and operational advantage in the maritime domain.
Guided by its motto ‘सामुद्रिकसुरक्षायाः सहयोगं’ (Maritime Security through Collaboration), INS Aravali embodies the ethos of teamwork and coordination. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with naval units, MDA centres, and allied stakeholders, enhancing India’s maritime information-sharing network.
Crest: Symbol of Eternal Vigilance
The Crest of INS Aravali carries deep symbolism. At its centre lies the mountain imagery of the Aravalis, representing strength, permanence, and guardianship. Above it shines the rising sun, a symbol of vigilance, resilience, and the dawn of niche technological capabilities in communications and MDA.
Together, the Crest encapsulates the mission of INS Aravali—to serve as a sentinel of India’s maritime frontiers, blending tradition with innovation, and ensuring that India remains eternally vigilant in protecting its maritime interests.
A Step Forward in India’s Maritime Vision
With its commissioning, INS Aravali adds a vital node to the Navy’s expanding network of strategic bases, reinforcing India’s vision of becoming a net security provider in the region. Beyond infrastructure, it embodies the fusion of technology, tradition, and strategic foresight—a base that not only supports naval operations but also embodies India’s larger maritime diplomacy.
The commissioning of INS Aravali marks yet another milestone in the Navy’s transformation journey, ensuring that India remains prepared, resilient, and technologically superior in safeguarding the vast seas that define its destiny.
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