The Indian Navy will stage a grand Operational Demonstration (Op Demo) as part of the Navy Day 2024 celebrations. The event is scheduled to take place off the coast of Puri, Odisha, on Wednesday, with President Droupadi Murmu attending as the chief guest.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi will host the event; also, Odisha Governor, Chief Minister, and a few Union and State Ministers will grace the occasion. Amongst the dignitaries will be the senior military officers also attending to witness this magnificent display of naval power.

This year's Op Demo is only the second time that the Indian Navy has held such a large exercise away from a major naval station. The naval units involved are weighed at 90,000 tonnes, and have weapons and sensors cutting edge in their field. Such advanced systems are capable of neutralising threats from the surface, underwater, or air within a radius of 300 km.

Over 3,500 naval personnel will operate the platforms at sea, with an additional 350 managing coordination onshore.

The Navy Day celebrations aim to show the Indian Navy’s commitment to innovation and self-reliance. The event will feature indigenous, state-of-the-art technologies, reinforcing the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ or a self-reliant India.

The demonstration also reflects India's role as the ‘Preferred Security Partner and First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean Region. This is in line with the government's SAGAR initiative, which aims to promote regional stability and cooperation.

The Navy Day Op Demo promises to be a remarkable event, which showcases the Navy's expertise and operational readiness. With President Murmu and other dignitaries in attendance, the event will be a proud moment for the nation and a reminder of the Indian Navy's vital role in securing the country's maritime interests.