Indian Navy Retires INS Sindhughosh, Lead Submarine of Sindhughosh Class

INS Sindhughosh decommissioned, ending a four-decade naval legacy

The Indian Navy formally decommissioned INS Sindhughosh , the lead submarine of the Sindhughosh class, after more than 40 years of distinguished operational service. The ceremony, held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai , marked the sunset of one of the Navy’s most experienced conventional submarines and a significant moment in India’s underwater warfare history.

Decommissioning ceremony at Mumbai

INS Sindhughosh was paid off at sunset on December 19, 2025 , in the presence of Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan , Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. The event reflected the Navy’s traditions and honoured the submarine’s long-standing contribution to maritime security, deterrence, and training missions across India’s areas of maritime interest.

Leadership and veteran presence

At the time of decommissioning, the submarine was under the command of Lieutenant Commander Rajat Sharma . Captain K R Ajrekar (Retd.) , the second Commanding Officer of INS Sindhughosh, attended as the guest of honour. The ceremony was also witnessed by several senior naval veterans, including former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral V S Shekhawat (Retd.) , former commanding officers, members of the original commissioning crew, and serving officers, highlighting the emotional and professional significance of the occasion.

Operational legacy and strategic role

Commissioned in the mid-1980s, INS Sindhughosh played a pivotal role during a phase when India was strengthening its conventional submarine arm. As the lead boat of her class, she set operational standards and contributed extensively to patrols, training of submarine crews, and deterrence operations. Over four decades, the submarine symbolised reliability, endurance, and silent maritime power.

Transition to modern platforms

The retirement of INS Sindhughosh aligns with the Indian Navy’s broader transition towards newer, technologically advanced submarines. While legacy platforms are phased out after long service lives, the Navy continues to focus on fleet modernisation, capability enhancement, and sustained underwater combat readiness.

Important Facts for Exams

• INS Sindhughosh was the lead submarine of the Sindhughosh class

• Decommissioned on December 19, 2025 , after 40 years of service

• Western Naval Command is headquartered in Mumbai

• Vice Admiral is a three-star rank in the Indian Navy