INS Dwarka

Historical Background

INS Dwarka has historical significance as it is the only IN establishment to have ever seen direct action with the adversary. Its origin can be traced back to the 1965 hostilities with Pakistan. On 07 Sep 1965, a flotilla of the Pakistan Navy carried out a small scale bombardment on Dwarka town with the objective of disabling the radar station there. Although the limited engagement caused insignificant damage of no strategic value, the Indian Navy realised the inevitable requirement to establish a forward outpost nearer to Pakistan. As a result, a small forward outpost was created in Feb 1966 at Port Okha under Naval Officer-in-Charge (Kathiawar). On 26 Nov 1972, this small outpost comprising four officer and 59 sailors was commissioned as INS Dwarka in its present location. NOIC (Kathiawar) was redesignated as NOIC (Saurashtra) on 07 Jul 1983. In Mar 1985, the office of NOIC (Saurashtra) was bifurcated and an officer of the rank of Commander was appointed as Commanding Officer, INS Dwarka. INS Dwarka, is under the operational and administrative command of NOIC (Gujarat).

Function and Role

INS Dwarka has been assigned the following roles:-

• Defence of Port Okha and examination services at Port Okha/ entrance to deep water channel.
• Provide infrastructure, Op Logistics and diving support to naval ships.
• Maintaining surveillance of North Arabian Sea and Deep Water Channel.
• Naval Reporting Officer and detailing duties of port under jurisdiction.
• Administrative/ logistic support to all units at Okha, Coast Guard Station, Okha and communication cover and diving support to Coast Guard ships, hovercrafts, ICG boats based at Port Okha.
• Liaising with IAF, Army, civil and Police authorities to implement security measures at Port Okha.
• Command and control of additional manpower/ resources when augmented by higher formations.
• Conduct of Gujarat Marine Police training
• Coordination of patrolling by Sagar Prahari Bal.