President Droupadi Murmu attended the Navy Day 2025 celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday and witnessed the Indian Navy’s operational demonstration along the Kerala coast. The event showcased the Navy’s maritime capabilities, including surface, air and underwater operations.
Addressing naval personnel and attendees, the President said Navy Day was an occasion to honour the “selfless service and supreme sacrifice” of sailors who safeguard the nation’s maritime frontiers. She added that the country remained grateful for the professionalism and commitment displayed by the men and women of the Indian Navy.
The President noted that the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) had emerged as a critical and strategic maritime space essential for global trade and energy flows. Positioned at its centre, India carried a “special responsibility,” she said, emphasising the need for open, stable and rules-based oceans. She reiterated India’s collaborative approach to maritime security, grounded in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Highlighting the Navy’s expanding mandate, the President said the force played a key role in deterring threats, ensuring freedom of navigation and securing the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone. She also underlined the Navy’s role as a first responder during crises in the IOR, noting its record in evacuation missions and humanitarian relief operations. New initiatives under the SAGAR vision would further enhance maritime domain awareness and support regional stability, she added.
The President said India’s focus on the Blue Economy as a pillar of sustainable development required secure sea routes and protection of marine resources. She stated that the Navy was central to these efforts by preventing illegal maritime activities and supporting research and conservation.
President Murmu also acknowledged the ongoing modernisation underway within the Navy, including efforts to design and build advanced platforms indigenously. She said these initiatives would strengthen India’s defence ecosystem and contribute to the goal of building a Viksit Bharat.