Rajnath Singh inaugurates Nausena Shaurya Vatika in Lucknow, highlights Navy’s role in Operation Sindoor
Lucknow, May 30. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on May 30 inaugurated the ‘Nausena Shaurya Vatika’, an open-air naval heritage museum in Lucknow dedicated to the courage, sacrifices and operational achievements of the Indian Navy.
Developed at a cost of ₹19 crore over more than two acres, the museum showcases weapon systems, equipment and artefacts from the decommissioned warship INS Gomati, offering visitors a glimpse into the history and capabilities of the Indian Navy.
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh said the Nausena Shaurya Vatika was much more than a tourist attraction, describing it as a symbol of national pride and inspiration that would help future generations understand the sacrifices made by the armed forces in safeguarding the country.
He said the memorial would serve as a reminder of the price paid by soldiers and sailors to ensure the nation’s security and freedom, while also inspiring young people to contribute to nation-building.
The Defence Minister used the occasion to praise the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and its role in maintaining maritime security amid an increasingly uncertain global environment. He stressed that secure sea lanes remain critical to global peace, economic stability and prosperity.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, India’s military campaign against Pakistan in May 2025, Singh said the Indian Navy played a significant role alongside the Army and Air Force. He noted that the Navy’s strong deployment in the Arabian Sea created sustained pressure on Pakistan, forcing the Pakistan Navy to remain largely confined to its ports during the conflict.
Singh also highlighted the government’s emphasis on strengthening both military capabilities and domestic defence manufacturing under the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India). He said India’s security and strategic autonomy depended on reducing reliance on foreign weapon systems and building indigenous capabilities across the defence sector.
According to the Defence Minister, initiatives such as ‘Make in India’, the Defence Industrial Corridors, Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the ADITI programme have accelerated indigenous defence production and boosted exports to friendly countries.
He pointed to the rapid growth of the domestic defence industry, noting that defence production has increased from about ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to more than ₹1.51 lakh crore, with the government targeting production worth ₹1.75 lakh crore in the near future. Defence exports, he said, have risen from less than ₹1,000 crore a decade ago to around ₹40,000 crore.
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s contribution to this transformation, Singh said the state was playing a key role in strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem through the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, while also registering progress in sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and technology.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid tribute to the armed forces and said the country’s development ambitions can only be realised in a secure environment protected by strong military forces. He described the welfare and welfare-related initiatives for defence personnel as an important component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047.
The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, Chief of the Naval Staff Dinesh K Tripathi, and several senior civil and military officials.
Naval legacy on display
The Nausena Shaurya Vatika features a range of naval equipment and artefacts from INS Gomati, including the AK-726 naval gun, missile launchers, radar systems, torpedo launchers, anchors and ship masts. Visitors can also explore a walkthrough museum dedicated to the retired TU-142M long-range maritime patrol aircraft.
The facility, developed under the second phase of the Nausena Shaurya Sangrahalaya project, includes visitor amenities such as a food court, souvenir shop and advanced lighting and sound systems.
Remembering INS Gomati
Named after the Gomti River, INS Gomati was commissioned on April 16, 1988, at Mazagon Dock and served the Indian Navy for 34 years before being decommissioned on May 29, 2022.
The third vessel of the Godavari-class guided-missile frigates, INS Gomati participated in several major operations, including Operation Cactus, Operation Parakram and Operation Rainbow, as well as numerous bilateral and multinational naval exercises.
Recognised for its contribution to maritime security, the warship received the prestigious Unit Citation twice during its service, in 2007-08 and again in 2019-20.
