Mumbai: INS Sindhughosh, the first submarine of her class inducted into the Indian Navy, was formally decommissioned after completing 40 years of operational service, marking the end of a long chapter in the Navy’s underwater fleet.
The decommissioning ceremony took place at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, at sunset on December 19, in the presence of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.
Confirming the development, the Western Naval Command said, “INS Sindhughosh, the lead submarine of her class in service with the Indian Navy, was decommissioned at sunset on 19 Dec 25, after 40 years of glorious service to the nation, at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, in the presence of VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, FOCINC WNC.”
The submarine was paid off under the command of Lt Cdr Rajat Sharma. Capt KR Ajrekar, retired, who served as the second Commanding Officer of INS Sindhughosh, attended the ceremony as the guest of honour.
Senior naval leadership and veterans were also present at the event. The Western Naval Command said, “Adm VS Shekhawat retd), former CNS, Flag Officers, former Commanding Officers, members of the commissioning crew, veterans, senior officers and distinguished guests were present for the occasion.”
Photographs from the ceremony were shared by the Western Naval Command, capturing the final moments of the submarine’s service as the ensign was lowered, formally marking her withdrawal from active duty after four decades in the Indian Navy.
BI Bureau
