Story of Operation Trident, 1971 war campaign marked as Navy Day, Pg18

Key Highlights:

• India celebrates Navy Day on December 4, commemorating Operation Trident of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
• On December 4, 1971, the Indian Navy sank three Pakistani vessels near Karachi, including PNS Khaibar and PNS Muhafiz.
• The operation involved Soviet Osa missile boats and SS-N-2 (P-15) Styx missiles, marking their first use in the region.
• Operation Trident resulted in over 250 Pakistani sailors killed and no casualties for the Indian side.

Detailed Insights:

• The 1971 war was initiated by pre-emptive strikes from the Pakistan Air Force on airfields in western India.
• Operation Trident involved innovative communication methods to remain undetected and was a result of increased investments in naval infrastructure.
• On December 5, 1971, Vice Admiral S N Kohli received the code word “Angaar”, confirming the success of Operation Trident.
• Operation Python was launched on December 8, 1971, further damaging the Pakistani Navy and lowering their morale.
• The war concluded on December 16 with the surrender of Pakistan's Lt Gen A A K Niazi to Lt Gen J S Aurora in Dhaka.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Operation Trident: A naval operation by India against Pakistan during the 1971 war.
• SS-N-2 (P-15) Styx missiles: Soviet-made anti-ship missiles used by the Indian Navy in Operation Trident.
• Bangladesh Liberation War: The 1971 conflict that led to the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan.