India's seafaring traditions have roots in its ancient civilisation. The seals portraying anchors, tools and   kitchen implements  made  of  coral  and  mussel shell,  discovered  during  excavations  at Harappa  and  Mohenjo-Daro, bear testimony that Indians were master seafarers as early as five millennia ago.  Buddhist inscriptions in Pali and Sanskrit as well as coins and temples in some countries  on the  Indian  Ocean  littoral  establish  that Indians sailed the seas regularly for commercial  and  cultural  exchanges. In the more recent times, the European Maritime powers were given a stiff battle by the Navy as it existed then under the great Admiral Kanhoji Angre. During the first  and second world wars, the ships of the Navy served with distinction in different oceans of the world. The sinking of a heavily armed Japanese ship by HMIS Bengal in the Indian Ocean in 1942 was a daring feat.

The Indian Navy as it exists today, is a manifestation of our ancient maritime heritage and aspirations. The fleets are composed of some of the most modern ships with sophisticated weaponry. It is a hard hitting force fully capable of annihilating threats from the air, on  the  surface and below the surface of  the  seas. The complete supremacy of the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal during 1971 operations was a unique  achievement.

The seas around have always been important to India for its security and prosperity. India occupies a strategic position in the Indian Ocean. The discovery of oil off India's  coast  is very promising. Our exclusive economic zone abounds in sea food and may also have the much needed minerals.  The  seas  hold  the  key for improving the quality of life of Indian people in the future. The  role  of  the Indian Navy in safeguarding the national interests and economic growth will thus become all the more important and have a direct bearing on India's strength and economic  well-being  of  its  people.

The Indian Navy faces the future with confidence. It is becoming increasingly self reliant with warships being built by Indian shipyards. Its personnel are drawn from all corners of the country, from all religions, castes and creeds. They are steadfast in their resolve to meet all challenges, be it an enemy attack during war or rushing aid to civil power during natural calamities and accidents. They train hard and work with a spirit of dedication to make India a great maritime nation.

The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is privileged to issue a special postage stamp on the Indian Navy to commemorate Navy Day which is observed on 4th December every year.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India