Anjadip War Memorial

What is Anjadip? Why is it famous? Where is it located?

Anjadip also called Anjediva, is the name of an island off the coast of Karwar in Karnataka. It was the scene of a battle between the Indian Navy and Portuguese forces during Op-Vijay, the military operation for the liberation of Goa in 1961. It was the first significant combat action for the Indian Navy post-independence. During the battle of Anjadip, seven Navy personnel made the supreme sacrifice. Although a memorial had been created at Anjadip island thereafter, the access was limited. The island now has an all weather road connecting it with Karwar main land. The present War Memorial was inaugurated in 2024 and depicts the seven martyrs in different combat postures.

We, a group of Navy Veterans and spouses, were fortunate to visit the Memorial during our Course Reunion in Karwar recently. Sharing a short picture story. The view from the southern tip of the island is simply breathtaking.

Here is a short video clip giving a panoramic view from the War Memorial.

Island Connectivity

See the short video clip while approaching the island by road.

See the map below to get a feel of the location of Anjadip island.

Brief History of the Battle

Mrs Ranjana Auditto, wife of late Adm Arun Auditto (then a Lieutenant) graced the inaugural ceremony of the War memorial. Lt Auditto had led the Naval combat team successfully. See the plaques below.

Instrument of Surrender by the Portuguese Governor General

Visiting a war memorial is always a moving experience for us, the armed forces veterans. Ghumakkad has carried many stories about war memorials. Sharing below a few links for the readers to browse.

Rezang La - A memorial to 120 bravehearts of 13 Kumaon who fought till the last bullet and killed more than 1300 Chinese soldiers on the icy slopes in November 1962.

Siachen A Memorial Like No Other - A tribute to the individuals and units martyred and deployed respectively in Siachen glacier over the years.

Memorial to Gen Lachit Borphukan -  Lachit Borphukan defended Assam from Mughal onslaught in 1671. A statue has been erected in his memory in River Brahmaputra. From 1999 onwards the Best Cadet in National Defence Academy (NDA) Pune is awarded a Gold Medal in Lachit's name.

Fallen But Not Forgotten - Remembering World War-I Martyrs. Memorial service in Bengaluru.

Kala Pani - A place which gives you chills! A picture story of the Cellular Jail in Port Blair.

Thanks for browsing. Stay connected and do leave a comment. Few words will suffice. It encourages us

    - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ Karwar and Secunderabad/ 14th December 2025

Postscript 15 Dec: Indian Navy named one of its Petya class corvettes as INS Anjadip in early 1970s.  Commodore CR Charyulu Veteran, who was part of the commissioning crew of INS Anjadip wrote:

"After bringing INS Anjadip to India,  we came to Goa  and were fortunate to land at Anjadip island, by boat. Very nostalgic. Thanks for reminding those invaluable moments. Great coverage, as usual, Harsh. 🙏🏾"

#anjadip #warmemorial #karwar #karnataka #goaliberation #indiaaanvy #navyveterans #reunion #tribute #martyrs #opvijay #portuguese #ghumakkadhb #ghumakkadharsh