It was the year 2016, I was in Class 11, when I had the rare opportunity to attend the anniversary celebration of INS Nipat, a ship that carried the proud legacy of its predecessor which took part in the historic attack on Karachi Harbour under Operation Trident on 4th December 1971, the day we now celebrate as Indian Navy Day.
The Chief Guest at the event was none other than Vir Chakra Awardee Commander Bahadur Nariman Kavina, the Commanding Officer of INS Nipat (1971), who led his men during the daring naval strike. Listening to him recount his experience in his own words was nothing short of inspiring.
The Commander’s Story - In His Own Words
Commander Kavina described the tension, strategy, and courage that defined Operation Trident. He explained how, back in 1971, Indian naval ships were slower and had limited fuel capacity, which made a long-distance strike and safe return an extremely difficult challenge, especially while maintaining the element of surprise.
To overcome these challenges, Indian naval officers devised a clever strategy:
Three missile boats, including INS Nipat, were towed close to India’s maritime border to conserve fuel for their return journey. This allowed them to strike deep into enemy territory without requiring fuel tankers or mid-sea refueling.
The preparations began in January 1971, and by 5th December 1971, the mission was complete, Operation Trident had become one of the most successful naval operations in Indian history.
“Trident! Trident! Trident!” - The Cry of Victory
Commander Kavina recalled with pride how Indian forces rained some of the most advanced missiles of that era, on Karachi port, catching the Pakistan Navy completely off guard.
He wanted his crew to witness the results of their bravery firsthand. After each missile barrage, he ordered the soldiers stationed on the ship’s upper deck to watch the enemy port engulfed in flames and the Pakistani vessels sinking. The sailors celebrated, cheered and shouted in unison.
On the dedicated communication channels with the headquarters, he said "Trident! Trident! Trident!", signaling the success of Operation Trident.
The Engine Failure That Almost Cost Everything
But the story didn’t end there. While returning, two ships successfully reached Gujarat. However, INS Nipat developed an engine failure, leaving it stranded and vulnerable.
Out of ammunition and exposed to potential enemy attacks, the situation turned critical. Commander Kavina had to make a high-risk decision, he issued the command to “fire at will”, allowing his sailors to engage any approaching targets without direct authorization.
He later admitted that this order could have resulted in friendly fire incidents, but under the circumstances, it was the only way to safeguard his crew and vessel.
Fortunately, INS Nipat reached Gujarat safely without any enemy confrontation, and Operation Trident was officially declared a success.
Reflections of a Warrior
In his concluding remarks, Commander Kavina shared a deeply emotional reflection. At his current age, he said, he often thinks about how his one command led to the deaths of around 400 enemy sailors, leaving many families orphaned.
Yet, he told the young naval officers and sailors not to let such thoughts deter them when duty calls.
“If we hadn’t acted,” he said, “the Pakistan Navy would have, and those 400 families could have been ours.”
He also expressed disappointment that only a few individuals received wartime awards, despite the fact that the entire crew risked their lives for the nation’s victory.
A Legacy of Courage and Duty
Listening to Commander Kavina speak was not just a history lesson; it was an insight into what duty, courage, and leadership truly mean. Operation Trident was not just a naval strike, it was a defining moment that established India’s naval strength and strategic brilliance.
The legacy of INS Nipat and its crew remains a shining chapter in India’s military history, a reminder that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
