INS Sindhughosh Decommissioned After 40 Years of Naval Service

INS Sindhughosh, the lead submarine of her class in service with the Indian Navy, was officially decommissioned after completing 40 years of operational service.

The decommissioning ceremony was held at the Naval Dockyard Mumbai, marking the conclusion of a distinguished chapter in India’s conventional submarine force.

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INS Sindhughosh Decommissioned After 40 Years of Naval Service

Decommissioning Ceremony at Naval Dockyard Mumbai

The ceremony took place in the presence of Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.

The Indian Navy confirmed that INS Sindhughosh was decommissioned at sunset on December 19, 2025, formally withdrawing the submarine from active naval service after four decades.

Leadership and Distinguished Presence

INS Sindhughosh was paid off under the command of Lieutenant Commander Rajat Sharma.

The ceremony was attended by:

• Captain K R Ajrekar (Retd.), the second Commanding Officer of INS Sindhughosh, as Guest of Honour
• V S Shekhawat, former Chief of the Naval Staff
• Former commanding officers, commissioning crew members, senior naval veterans, and serving officers

Their presence highlighted the submarine’s enduring legacy in the Indian Navy.

Operational Legacy of INS Sindhughosh

Commissioned in the mid-1980s, INS Sindhughosh played a vital role during a key phase of modernisation of India’s submarine arm. As the lead vessel of her class, she set operational benchmarks for conventional submarines.

Key contributions included:

• Underwater patrol missions
• Crew training and operational readiness
• Strategic deterrence across India’s maritime zones

Her service significantly strengthened India’s underwater warfare capabilities.

Transition in India’s Submarine Fleet

The retirement of INS Sindhughosh comes as the Indian Navy continues its transition toward newer and more capable underwater platforms. While ageing submarines are phased out after decades of service, the Navy is focusing on:

• Induction of modern submarines
• Sustaining operational readiness
• Life-cycle management of existing fleets

This reflects a long-term strategy to maintain maritime security and technological edge.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• INS Sindhughosh was the lead submarine of her class
• Served the Indian Navy for 40 years
• Decommissioned on December 19, 2025
• Ceremony held at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai
• Western Naval Command is headquartered in Mumbai
• Vice Admiral is a three-star rank in the Indian Navy

Question & Answer

Q1. INS Sindhughosh belonged to which branch of the Indian Armed Forces?
(a) Indian Army
(b) Indian Air Force
(c) Indian Coast Guard
(d) Indian Navy
Answer: Indian Navy

Q2. Where was INS Sindhughosh decommissioned?
(a) Kochi
(b) Visakhapatnam
(c) Mumbai
(d) Karwar
Answer: Mumbai

Q3. INS Sindhughosh was decommissioned after completing how many years of service?
(a) 25 years
(b) 30 years
(c) 35 years
(d) 40 years
Answer: 40 years

Q4. Which Naval Command is headquartered in Mumbai?
(a) Eastern Naval Command
(b) Southern Naval Command
(c) Andaman and Nicobar Command
(d) Western Naval Command
Answer: Western Naval Command

Q5. What does decommissioning of a naval vessel signify?
(a) Upgrade of weapons
(b) Temporary repair
(c) Formal withdrawal from active service
(d) Transfer to another command
Answer: Formal withdrawal from active service

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