Lieutenant Commander (Retd) Inder Singh, Who Sunk Pakistani Submarine 'Ghazi' In 1971, Passes Away At 100

Lieutenant Commander (retired) Inder Singh, a Vir Chakra awardee, passed away due to a cardiac arrest on 9 October in Haryana's Rohtak, shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday.

Singh was born on 4 October 1924 and completed his primary education at his native village. Along with studies, he also had special interest in sports.

After clearing the class 8 examination, he did further studies from Jat School, Sonipat.

Singh's illustrious naval career began when he joined the Royal Indian Navy in 1944 as a Seaman Sailor. He underwent extensive training onboard ‘HMIS Akbar’, Karachi and the UK.

Post-training, he participated in World War II, serving onboard ‘HMIS Orissa’ for convoy escorting duties and later minesweeping operations in the Malacca Straits.

Singh's pivotal role in the sinking of the ‘PNS Ghazi’ during the Indo-Pak War of 1971 is a testament to his valor and strategic acumen.

Inder Singh was the commander of INS Rajput at the time of war.

Pakistan had sent Ghazi to sink India's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Ghazi.

America had leased its Diablo submarine to Pakistan shortly before the India-Pakistan war in 1965. Pakistan had named it Ghazi.

The 1971 war was a defining moment for Singh. As the Commanding Officer of ‘INS Rajput’, he played a strategic role in deceiving the enemy.

The ship acted as a decoy for the ‘INS Vikrant’, luring the ‘PNS Ghazi’ into a trap. Despite the material challenges faced by ‘INS Rajput’, the ship successfully carried out a depth charge attack, leading to the sinking of the Ghazi submarine.

Post-retirement, Singh's dedication to service did not wane. He became an advocate for the rights and welfare of ex-servicemen. His leadership in the ‘One Rank, One Pension’ movement was instrumental in ensuring justice for countless veterans.

As the president of the Ex-Services League in Haryana, he played a pivotal role in organizing veterans, ensuring their welfare, and providing employment opportunities.

His vision also led to the construction of significant landmarks in Rohtak, including the Ex-Services League headquarters and the Jat Bhawan Building, which today stands as a beacon for community activities.