INS Sindhughosh Decommissioned: A 40-Year Chapter in India’s Undersea Warfare Comes to a Close

INS Sindhughosh, the lead submarine of her class in service with the Indian Navy, was formally decommissioned at sunset on 19 December 2025 at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The ceremony marked the end of over four decades of active operational service in India’s conventional submarine fleet.

Who presided over the decommissioning ceremony?

The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. It was attended by serving and retired flag officers, submariners, veterans, and members of the original commissioning crew.

Who was commanding INS Sindhughosh at the time of decommissioning?

The submarine was paid off under the command of Lieutenant Commander Rajat Sharma, formally concluding her operational status in the Indian Navy.

When was INS Sindhughosh commissioned, and why was she significant at the time?

INS Sindhughosh was commissioned on 30 April 1986. At the time, her induction represented a major expansion and modernisation of India’s underwater combat capability, strengthening the Navy’s ability to conduct sea-denial, surveillance, and deterrence missions amid heightened maritime competition in the Indian Ocean.

What role did INS Sindhughosh play during her service life?

Over nearly 40 years, INS Sindhughosh remained a frontline asset of the Indian Navy’s conventional submarine arm. She undertook numerous operational patrols, participated in multinational naval exercises, and conducted multiple weapon firings, contributing to operational readiness and combat proficiency. Her deployments spanned both peacetime presence missions and periods of elevated maritime alert.

How did INS Sindhughosh contribute to India’s submarine warfare expertise?

As the lead boat of her class, INS Sindhughosh played a central role in shaping operational doctrines, crew training standards, and maintenance practices for conventional submarines. Generations of submariners trained and qualified aboard her, making the boat an institutional platform for building undersea warfare skills within the Navy.

What was the submarine’s motto, and how did it reflect her service?

INS Sindhughosh operated under the motto “Vision, Vigour, Values,” a phrase that reflected the demanding operational environment of submarine service and the emphasis placed on professional competence, endurance, and discipline within the underwater arm.

Who were the notable veterans present at the ceremony?

Capt KR Ajrekar (Retd), the second Commanding Officer of INS Sindhughosh, attended as the Guest of Honour. Admiral VS Shekhawat (Retd), former Chief of the Naval Staff, former Commanding Officers of the submarine, members of the commissioning crew, and senior naval veterans were also present, underscoring the boat’s long institutional association with the submarine community.

Why is the decommissioning of INS Sindhughosh important for the Indian Navy today?

The decommissioning reflects the Navy’s ongoing transition away from older conventional platforms as part of a broader effort to modernise the underwater fleet. While INS Sindhughosh remained operationally relevant, her retirement aligns with lifecycle management requirements and the induction of newer, more capable submarine platforms.

What does INS Sindhughosh’s retirement say about the state of India’s submarine force?

Her retirement highlights both the longevity of India’s existing submarine assets and the operational demands placed on them. It also draws attention to the importance of timely fleet renewal to maintain undersea deterrence and surveillance capabilities in an increasingly contested maritime environment.

What legacy does INS Sindhughosh leave behind?

INS Sindhughosh leaves behind a legacy closely tied to the maturation of India’s conventional submarine arm. Beyond missions and deployments, her enduring contribution lies in the generations of submariners she trained and in the role she played in sustaining India’s undersea operational readiness for four decades.