Nausena Shaurya Vatika: Open-Air Naval Heritage Museum Inaugurated in Lucknow

Addressing the gathering, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Nausena Shaurya Vatika as far more than a tourist attraction.

A new chapter in India's efforts to honour its armed forces and inspire future generations was marked with the inauguration of Nausena Shaurya Vatika, an open-air naval heritage museum in Lucknow. The facility, dedicated to showcasing the courage, sacrifices, and operational excellence of the Indian Navy, was jointly inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on 30 May 2026.

Spread across more than two acres and developed at a cost of approximately ₹19 crore, the museum serves as a permanent tribute to the men and women of the Indian Navy. The attraction features a range of artefacts, equipment, and weapon systems from INS Gomati, a frontline warship that served the nation for 34 years before being decommissioned on 29 May 2022.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior civil and military officials, including Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, along with distinguished guests from the armed forces and government.

A Living Tribute to Naval Courage

Addressing the gathering, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Nausena Shaurya Vatika as far more than a tourist attraction. He emphasized that the museum represents a symbol of national pride and remembrance that will educate citizens about the sacrifices made by the country's armed forces to safeguard national sovereignty and security.

According to the Defence Minister, the project has been conceived as a source of inspiration for future generations, particularly young Indians, who will have an opportunity to learn about the dedication and heroism of the nation's sailors.

He noted that freedom and security are often taken for granted, but institutions such as Nausena Shaurya Vatika help remind citizens of the immense sacrifices made by service personnel. The museum, he said, serves as a platform to foster patriotism and encourage greater participation in nation-building.

The Defence Minister stressed that the memorial is designed not only to preserve military history but also to cultivate a sense of gratitude among citizens toward the armed forces.

Preserving the Legacy of INS Gomati

At the heart of the museum is the legacy of INS Gomati, one of the Indian Navy's distinguished warships.

Commissioned into service in the late 1980s, INS Gomati played a significant role in safeguarding India's maritime interests and participated in numerous operational deployments throughout its three-decade service life.

The vessel represented an important component of India's naval capability and contributed to maritime security, surveillance, and strategic operations across the Indian Ocean region.

Following its decommissioning in 2022, several of the ship's systems, equipment, and artefacts were preserved and incorporated into the newly developed museum. Visitors can now gain firsthand insight into the technology, operational environment, and life aboard an Indian naval warship.

Officials believe the display will serve both educational and commemorative purposes, helping future generations understand the evolution of India's maritime defence capabilities.

Importance of Maritime Security in a Changing World

During his address, Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing significance of maritime security in the contemporary geopolitical environment.

He noted that international trade, energy transportation, and economic stability depend heavily on secure sea lanes and maritime routes. In a world facing increasing geopolitical tensions and strategic competition, maintaining security at sea has become a critical requirement for global prosperity.

The Defence Minister praised the Indian Navy for its professionalism, operational readiness, and ability to protect national interests in challenging circumstances.

He emphasized that India's maritime forces continue to play a central role in ensuring regional stability, protecting trade routes, conducting humanitarian missions, and responding to emerging security threats.

According to Singh, the Indian Navy has established itself as a credible and capable force that contributes significantly to both national security and international maritime cooperation.

Recognition of the Navy's Role During Operation Sindoor

The Defence Minister also commended the Indian Navy's contribution during Operation Sindoor, highlighting the coordinated efforts of India's armed forces in addressing security challenges.

He stated that the Navy's strong deployment posture in the Arabian Sea created significant strategic pressure on adversarial forces during the operation.

According to Singh, the Navy's operational presence acted as a powerful deterrent, limiting the operational flexibility of hostile elements and demonstrating India's maritime strength.

He praised the close coordination between the Indian Navy, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force, describing it as an example of effective joint military operations.

The remarks reflected the growing emphasis placed on integrated military planning and joint operational capabilities within India's defence establishment.

Advancing the Vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat

A major theme of the Defence Minister's speech was India's ongoing journey toward self-reliance in defence production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Rajnath Singh reiterated that genuine national strength depends on the ability to produce advanced defence systems domestically rather than relying heavily on imports.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of self-reliance for driving significant reforms across the defence sector, including policies designed to strengthen indigenous manufacturing, innovation, and technological development.

The Defence Minister highlighted several key initiatives that have contributed to this transformation, including the Make in India programme, Defence Industrial Corridors, Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), and the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) initiative.

These programmes aim to encourage domestic defence production, foster innovation among startups and private companies, and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

Record Growth in Defence Manufacturing

Providing an overview of recent achievements, Rajnath Singh noted that India's defence manufacturing sector has witnessed unprecedented growth over the past decade.

According to the Minister, domestic defence production has increased from approximately ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to more than ₹1.51 lakh crore today. He expressed confidence that production figures would soon surpass the ₹1.75 lakh crore mark.

The rapid expansion of indigenous manufacturing capacity has enabled India to produce a broader range of military equipment, including advanced weapons systems, naval platforms, aerospace technologies, and surveillance systems.

Officials view this growth as a major step toward enhancing strategic autonomy while creating employment opportunities and strengthening the country's industrial base.

Defence Exports Reach New Heights

India's emergence as a defence exporter was another key achievement highlighted during the event.

Rajnath Singh pointed out that defence exports have grown dramatically from less than ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹40,000 crore in 2026.

The increase reflects growing international confidence in Indian defence products and technologies.

Today, India exports a range of military equipment to friendly nations, including patrol vessels, radar systems, missile components, protective equipment, and advanced defence technologies.

The government sees defence exports as an important contributor to economic growth, industrial development, and strategic partnerships with countries around the world.

Uttar Pradesh Emerging as a Defence Manufacturing Hub

The Defence Minister underscored the important role being played by Uttar Pradesh in India's defence modernization efforts.

He noted that the state has become a key contributor to the country's defence manufacturing ecosystem through the establishment of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.

The corridor has attracted significant investments and is expected to support the development of a robust defence production network involving public sector enterprises, private companies, startups, and research institutions.

Beyond defence manufacturing, Singh highlighted the state's progress in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, science and technology, transportation, and infrastructure.

He stated that Uttar Pradesh's economic transformation is contributing significantly to India's broader development goals.

Yogi Adityanath Emphasizes Soldiers' Role in Nation Building

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid tribute to India's armed forces and acknowledged their contribution to national security.

He remarked that the safety and stability provided by soldiers enable citizens to live peacefully and allow governments to focus on development initiatives.

According to the Chief Minister, meaningful economic and social progress is only possible when a nation is secure and protected by capable armed forces.

Adityanath emphasized that respect for military personnel and commitment to their welfare form an integral part of the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which seeks to transform India into a developed nation by the centenary of its independence.

Inspiring Future Generations

Nausena Shaurya Vatika is expected to become a major educational and cultural landmark in Lucknow.

By preserving naval heritage and showcasing the sacrifices of service personnel, the museum aims to inspire young Indians to appreciate the importance of national security and public service.

Officials believe that such initiatives help bridge the gap between civilians and the armed forces by providing greater awareness of military history, operational challenges, and national defence responsibilities.

As visitors walk through the displays of INS Gomati and learn about the achievements of the Indian Navy, the museum will serve as a lasting reminder of the courage, dedication, and professionalism that continue to safeguard India's maritime frontiers.

The inauguration of Nausena Shaurya Vatika not only honours the legacy of the Indian Navy but also symbolizes India's broader journey toward military modernization, defence self-reliance, and national development.