President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said that India was committed to the idea of the oceans remaining open, stable and rules-based.

"As per our vision of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', India’s approach is collaborative rather than competitive. Our country is promoting shared awareness, capacity building, and the peaceful use of the seas," the President said at the Navy Day-2025 celebrations at Shanghumughom Beach in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday.

The Indian Navy displayed its operational prowess and maritime capabilities through a spectacular 'Operational Demonstration' at Shangumugham beach. The mega event brought alive the Navy’s formidable combat capabilities, technological excellence, and operational readiness, while reflecting the nation's growing maritime strength and self-reliance.

The President said that the Indian Ocean Region was a highly strategic and critical maritime space. "It is a conduit for global energy supplies and trade. As India is positioned at its centre, we bear a special responsibility," the President said.

She also touched upon the significance of Kerala in India's maritime history. "Our maritime awareness is not new. It flows from our civilisational memory from the Chola and Chera fleets; from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Kunjali Marakkars. Kerala has a proud maritime heritage. Its warriors defended the coast against European invasion in the sixteenth century. The ancient port of Muziris was one of the important gateways through which India interacted with the world," the President said.

She termed the Indian Navy as the "principal actor for the security of our seas". "From deterring threats to combating piracy, from securing our Exclusive Economic Zone to ensuring freedom of navigation, the Navy’s role extends well beyond traditional defence," the President said.

She also spoke highly of the Navy's humanitarian side. "In crises across the Indian Ocean Region, it has acted as the first responder: evacuating citizens, providing succour, and delivering humanitarian assistance," President Murmu said.

The President said that was focusing on harnessing the potential of Blue Economy as a driver of sustainable development. The Indian Navy plays an important role in these efforts. By securing sea routes, protecting marine resources, preventing illegal activities, and supporting maritime research, the Navy strengthens our vision of safe, prosperous, and sustainable oceans.

The President was hosted by Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.

Navy Day is celebrated on December 4 every year to commemorate the daring and decisive attacks of the Indian Navy on and off Karachi harbour during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. "Navy Day is also about India's rich maritime heritage - a heritage that continues to shape our thinking and guide our course," the Chief of the Naval Staff said in his speech.

It was to reconnect with places of maritime prominence and naval legacy, Admiral Tripathi said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted Navy Day to be celebrated out of New Delhi. "Two years ago, we honoured Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Naval tradition at Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. Last year, we celebrated the seafaring spirit of Kalinga at Puri, Odisha where the Boita Bandana or Bali Jatra, keeps alive the memory of ancient voyages to Southeast Asia," he said.

"And, it is only fitting that this demonstration is happening in Kerala, as its shores have spoken to the world for many centuries. This hallowed land of Padmanabha Swamy Temple and Travancore Kingdom carried strong maritime connect and secured its coastal routes and ports from maritime threats and foreign invaders. Here, under the leadership of King Marthanda Varma, Travancore decimated the Dutch naval fleet and forces, ending their colonial ambitions in India," the CNS said.

Further North along the Malabar Coast, the CNS said the Kunjali Marakkars had valiantly resisted European attempts to dominate Indian Ocean trade.

Upon arrival, The President was given a 150-men ceremonial Guard of Honour. Governor of Kerala Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan witnessed the event along with other senior Central and State Government officials, military dignitaries, and the local population.

The Op Demo featured a display of coordinated manoeuvres by frontline platforms symbolising the Navy's ability to deliver power and precision across the maritime spectrum. More than twenty Naval ships and submarines, including indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, along with a formidable array of air assets and elite Marine Commandos (MARCOS) demonstrated Naval strength and operational excellence.

Additionally, Hornpipe dance by the Sea Cadet Corps, cultural performance, and Continuity Drill by Naval personnel undertaking fast sequenced drills were also on show. The event culminated with a Beating Retreat by Indian Naval band and traditional sunset ceremony with illumination of Naval ships.