Navy chief highlights UP’s contributions to the force while inaugurating ‘Shaurya Vatika’.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi on Saturday (May 30, 2026) said Uttar Pradesh, despite being a landlocked state, has a deep connection with the sea as he highlighted the region’s historic maritime connectivity and its contribution to the Indian Navy.

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Admiral Tripathi was in Lucknow for the inauguration of ‘Nausena Shaurya Vatika’ – an open-air museum designed to showcase the heritage, operational capabilities and naval achievements of the Indian Navy – by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Addressing the gathering, Admiral Tripathi thanked Mr. Singh and Mr. Adityanath, whose “vision, support and leadership made Nausena Shaurya Vatika a reality today.”

Explaining the reasons behind setting up a maritime themed center in Uttar Pradesh, the Navy Chief said, “Though it is a landlocked state, it has never been far from the sea.”

“Before the advent of railways and highways, rivers like the Ganga, Gomti and Ghaghara connected the Awadh region to the port of Kolkata and global trade routes.

“Banarasi silk reached even the Roman Empire through maritime trade, while Uttar Pradesh’s hardwood and metallurgical resources contributed to shipbuilding,” said Admiral Tripathi, who retires on May 31 and will be succeeded by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.

Emphasizing that Uttar Pradesh continues to contribute significantly to the armed forces, the Admiral said, “A large number of officers, sailors and agniveers in the Navy hail from Uttar Pradesh. Perhaps that is why it is home to the largest number of military veterans in the country,” he said.

He highlighted the maritime heritage of the state and mentioned the INS Gomti, named after the river Gomti.

“INS Gomti was commissioned in 1988 and participated in Operation Cactus and Operation Parakram. It carried the flags of India and Uttar Pradesh around the world during its decades of service until it was decommissioned in 2022,” he said.

The navy chief also said that the exhibits in Vatica, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and radars, will help young people understand the importance of maritime security.

“These demonstrations not only reflect the deep and enduring relationship between the Indian Navy and Uttar Pradesh, but also inspire the youth to understand the country’s maritime security,” he said.

Emphasizing the importance of maritime security for India’s economic growth, Admiral Tripathi said, “It is a proven fact that India’s economic progress and trade development are inextricably linked to the sea. The Navy ensures that our sea lanes remain safe and open and that India’s maritime trade continues to grow.” He also highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s growing role in defense manufacturing through initiatives such as the Defense Industrial Corridor and the BrahMos facility in Lucknow.

“In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Uttar Pradesh today not only provides valuable manpower to the armed forces but also offers versatile missile systems and indigenous capabilities,” he said.

Terming Nausena Vatika more than just a museum, Admiral Tripathi said, “This is a symbol of Uttar Pradesh’s proud contribution to strengthening the nation’s defense every day.”

Expressing confidence in its future impact, he added, “I am confident that Nausena Shaurya Vatika will prove to be a source of national pride, maritime awareness and patriotism in the years to come.”

Published – 30 May 2026 16:57 IST