The Indian Navy was on the verge of launching a maritime strike against Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, before Islamabad requested a halt to kinetic action, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi revealed on Wednesday.
Speaking at a naval investiture ceremony, Admiral Tripathi stated that the development is “no longer a hidden fact,” underscoring the Navy’s high level of preparedness during the operation, which was conducted last year in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
“It is now no longer a hidden fact that we were just minutes away from striking Pakistan from the sea when they requested a stoppage of kinetic action,” he said. “Through swift and resolute actions during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Navy reinforced the nation’s confidence and trust in its capabilities.”
High Operational Readiness on Display
According to the Navy chief, Operation Sindoor demonstrated exceptional readiness and resolve, with naval units rapidly deployed and maintaining a highly assertive posture throughout the operation.
He also highlighted a significant engagement with Narendra Modi, describing a “historic 17-hour overnight embarkation” on the western seaboard that showcased the Navy’s operational depth and capabilities.
Maritime Risks Rising Amid West Asia Conflict
Turning to the ongoing conflict in West Asia involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, Admiral Tripathi warned of escalating risks in the maritime domain.
He noted that more than 20 merchant vessels have been attacked in the region, while nearly 1,900 ships remain stranded amid hostilities. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has declined sharply, with daily transits dropping to six or seven from a pre-conflict average of around 130.
“At a time when the global order is marked by increasing fragmentation and friction, the seas are no longer secondary theatres where continental conflicts spill over,” he said. “Instead, they are becoming the primary arena where strategic intent is signalled and contested, often with disproportionate consequences.”
Evolving Nature of Maritime Warfare
The Navy chief also pointed to the rapid evolution of military technology and tactics, which are reshaping how conflicts are planned and executed. He cautioned that non-traditional threats are becoming more complex and unpredictable, requiring a higher degree of preparedness.
He emphasised the need for a balanced approach—combining organisational agility and strategic foresight, unit-level combat readiness, and individual professionalism anchored in decisiveness and sound judgement.
Humanitarian Role and Indigenous Capability Push
Reaffirming India’s role as a first responder in the region, Admiral Tripathi highlighted the Navy’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions, including Operation Brahma in Myanmar and Operation Sagar Bandhu in Sri Lanka.
He also underscored the Navy’s progress in achieving self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbharta’ initiative, noting that the force has transitioned into a “builders’ Navy.” This momentum is reflected in the commissioning of 12 ships and submarines within a single year, significantly enhancing India’s maritime capabilities.
.png)
The opinions posted here do not belong to 🔰www.indiansdaily.com. The author is solely responsible for the opinions.
As per the IT policy of the Central Government, insults against an individual, community, religion or country, defamatory and inflammatory remarks, obscene and vulgar language are punishable offenses. Legal action will be taken for such expressions of opinion.