December 4, celebrated as Navy Day, marks the Indian Navy’s decisive role in the 1971 war when its boats and ships sank four Pakistani vessels, including PNS Khaibar, under Operation Trident, hastening Pakistan’s surrender.

This moment of maritime glory, however, contrasts sharply with recent incidents that put the Navy’s operational standards under scrutiny. On Wednesday, a naval rigid inflatable boat (RIB) rammed into the passenger ferry Neelkamal, carrying about 100 tourists near the Elephanta Caves, off Mumbai’s Gateway of India. The collision claimed 13 lives, including Navy personnel. Reports suggest the tragedy was entirely avoidable,........

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