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Secure maritime routes are key to global peace & prosperity: Defence Minister praises Indian Navy's operational readiness
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath jointly inaugurated 'Nausena Shaurya Vatika' in Lucknow on May 30, 2026. Built at a cost of ₹19 crore over an area spanning over two acres, this Open-Air Display Museum honours the spirit, valour & prowess of the Indian Navy. It showcases the artefacts and weapon systems of INS Gomati, which was decommissioned on May 29, 2022 after 34 years of service.
Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister described the Nausena Shaurya Vatika as not only a tourist attraction, but also a symbol of inspiration that would remind future generations of the true cost of freedom and security. He added that the park would serve as a constant reminder of the nation's safety and security, safeguarded through the valour and sacrifices of its bravehearts. "It is not just an architectural design or a product of structural craftsmanship; it rekindles the sense of gratitude we hold for our soldiers. The idea is to awaken the zeal for nation-building among our youth," he said.
"Our Navy's formidable posture ensured that Pakistan Navy remained confined to its ports during Operation Sindoor"
Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Navy for its robust presence and operational readiness at sea, underlining that amid the present geopolitical turmoil, the key to global peace and prosperity lies in securing maritime routes. He praised the Indian Navy's exceptional contribution during Operation Sindoor, alongside the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. "Our Navy's formidable posture in the Arabian Sea instilled a constant sense of fear in the mind of the adversary. As a result, the Pakistan Navy remained confined to its ports," he said.
Defence Minister noted the government's special emphasis on making the nation secure and prosperous through a strong military and a self-reliant defence industry. He emphasised that the growing strength of the Indian defence forces is the outcome of the sustained efforts and strategic planning of the Government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"India can truly be considered powerful when our defence forces do not have to depend on other nations for their weaponry. This is the very reason our Prime Minister articulated the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Through initiatives such as Make-in-India, Defence Industrial Corridors, Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI), we're indigenously manufacturing state-of-the-art weapons, and exporting it to various friendly countries. India was always known as an importer of arms and equipment. However, today, the situation has completely changed, and our defence sector is steadily advancing towards complete self-reliance," said Rajnath Singh.
"Focus on building a secure and prosperous nation on the back of strong military & self-reliant defence industry"
Defence Minister asserted that the persistent efforts of the last decade are bearing fruit as the domestic defence production, which stood at just ₹46,000 crore in 2014, has surged to over ₹1.51 lakh crore, and is poised to soon touch yet another record-breaking figure of ₹1.75 lakh crore. He added that defence exports have skyrocketed from less than ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to approximately ₹40,000 crore today.
Pointing out the pivotal role played by Uttar Pradesh in achieving this success, Rajnath Singh stated that while the soldiers from the state stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their counterparts from across the country to protect national interests, the Defence Industrial Corridor is significantly strengthening the defence manufacturing ecosystem. He added that the state is scaling greater heights in other sectors such as health, education, agriculture, science & technology, trade & commerce, roads, highways, and airports.
In his address, the UP Chief Minister paid homage to the nation's brave soldiers, stating that the protection they offer allows every citizen to sleep peacefully. He asserted that the plans for development can only proceed in a secure and strong nation, protected by its soldiers. He added that respect and commitment towards the welfare of the defence forces personnel is an essential part of the Prime Minister's vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Deputy Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh Keshav Prasad Maurya & Brajesh Pathak, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, and other senior civil & military officials were present on the occasion.
AK 726 (Naval Gun Installed onboard Naval Warship), ZIF 101 launcher for Surface-to-Air Missiles, Surface-to-Surface Anti-Ship and Surface-to-Air Missiles and Ship's radar, torpedo launcher, anchors, ship's masts and other artefacts of INS Gomati are on display at the park. It also features a Walkthrough Museum of TU 142M, a long range maritime patrol aircraft which is no longer in service. The park, built under Phase-II of Nausena Shaurya Sangrahalaya, also includes numerous visitor amenities such as food court, souvenir shop, and advanced lighting & sound system.
INS Gomati derives her name from the vibrant river Gomti and was commissioned on April 16, 1988 by the then Defence Minister at Mazagon Dock Limited. The third ship of the Godavari class guided-missile frigates, INS Gomati was also the oldest warrior of the Western Fleet when decommissioned.
During her service, she participated in Operations Cactus, Parakram and Rainbow, and several bilateral & multinational naval exercises. For her remarkable spirit and stellar contribution to national maritime security, she was twice awarded the coveted Unit Citation, once in 2007-08 and again in 2019-20.
