Indian Navy's INS Sindhughosh Retires After Four Decades of Service
On December 19, 2025, the Indian Navy formally retired INS Sindhughosh, the principal submarine of its class, during a ceremony at the Naval Dockyard. This event marked the conclusion of a distinguished 40-year tenure serving the nation.
The decommissioning ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command (WNC). The submarine was officially decommissioned under the leadership of Lieutenant Commander Rajat Sharma.
The ceremony was further enriched by the presence of Captain KR Ajrekar (Retd), the second Commanding Officer of INS Sindhughosh, who was honored as the Guest of Honour.
The event was also attended by Admiral VS Shekhawat (Retd), a former Chief of the Naval Staff, alongside various Flag Officers, past Commanding Officers, members of the original commissioning crew, veterans, senior officers, and other notable guests.
Commissioned in 1985, INS Sindhughosh played a crucial role in enhancing India's underwater warfare capabilities, providing substantial contributions to maritime security and operational readiness over the past four decades. As the submarine is retired, it signifies the end of a proud era in India's submarine history, even as the Navy progresses towards more advanced and locally-developed underwater systems.
