In news- The first destroyer of the Indian Navy, INS Rajput was decommissioned on 21st May, 2021.
About INS Rajput-
- It was the lead ship of the Kashin-class destroyers built by the erstwhile USSR.
- It was constructed in the 61 Communards Shipyard in Nikolaev (present-day Ukraine) under her original Russian name ‘Nadezhny’ meaning ‘Hope’.
- The ship was commissioned as INS Rajput on 04 May 1980 at Poti, Georgia by IK Gujral, the Ambassador of India to USSR with Capt Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani, its first Commanding Officer.
- The ship has the distinction of serving in both Western and Eastern Fleets.
- Its motto was “Raj Karega Rajput”.
- The ship has participated in several operations including Operation Aman off Sri Lanka to assist IPKF, Operation Pawan for patrolling duties off the coast of Sri Lanka, Operation Cactus to resolve hostage situation off the Maldives, and Operation Crowsnest off Lakshadweep.
- It also participated in numerous bilateral and multinational exercises.
- It was also the first Indian Naval Ship to be affiliated with an Indian Army regiment – the Rajput Regiment.
- It was decommissioned at a solemn ceremony at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
Source: PIB
