The INS Khukri was the only Indian naval vessel lost in combat during the 1971 war.
Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla chose to go down with his ship, prioritizing the safety of his crew during the evacuation.
The ship was struck by two torpedoes from the Pakistani submarine PNS Hangor off the coast of Diu.
Captain Mulla was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second-highest military decoration.
The memorial is situated on a cliffside, mirroring the maritime theater of the original event.
The INS Khukri Memorial in Diu commemorates the 1971 sinking of the INS Khukri, a Blackwood-class anti-submarine frigate, during the Indo-Pakistani War. The monument features a scale model of the warship encased in a glass structure, positioned on a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea. It serves as a tribute to Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla and the 176 sailors who lost their lives when the ship was torpedoed by the submarine PNS Hangor. The site includes a ceremonial plaque listing the names of the crew members who perished. Its elevated location provides an unobstructed view of the coastline where the ship originally operated. The memorial is maintained by the Diu Administration as a site of national historical significance. Visitors find a somber environment dedicated to naval history and military sacrifice.
The elevated platform facing the sea, which captures both the model ship and the horizon.
Bring a hat and sunglasses, as the site is fully exposed to direct sunlight with minimal shade.
Walk the perimeter of the cliff for better views of the Arabian Sea beyond the memorial structure.
Visit during the late afternoon to experience cooler temperatures and sunset light.
Do not climb on the memorial structure or the glass enclosure surrounding the model.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor as this is a war memorial.
