New Delhi: In a major demonstration of maritime strength, the Indian Navy had deployed a formidable force of 36 frontline naval assets, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and multiple submarines, in the waters near Karachi during Operation Sindoor, reported India Today, citing sources. This substantial mobilisation is in stark contrast to the six warships used during the 1971 war targeting the Pakistani port city Karachi.
The deployment is part of a broader, multi-pronged pressure strategy adopted by India following a deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people. In retaliation to this terror attack, India launched a tri-services operation, for the first time since 1971. The Indian Navy was placed on high alert, prompting Pakistan to issue NAVAREA warnings, highlighting concerns over a potential naval strike, reported India Today.
At the core of this operation is the Carrier Battle Group centred around INS Vikrant, supported by eight to 10 other warships. All these warships were reportedly positioned in the Arabian Sea. This movement is one of the Indian Navy’s most significant real-time deployments beyond routine peacetime exercises.
The naval mission features seven destroyers. Each of these was armed with advanced BrahMos missiles, Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM), and Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes, enabling them to counter threats from the surface, air, and underwater, reported the media house. The deployment also includes seven stealth-guided missile frigates, such as the newly commissioned INS Tushil. It created a formidable maritime shield along India’s western coast.
In addition to the surface fleet, an estimated six submarines were operating in deep water, strengthening the Indian Navy’s strategic depth. The naval force also deployed fast attack crafts and missile boats, bringing the total number of assets to 36, significantly surpassing the Pakistan Navy’s fleet of less than 30 warships.
According to reports, the bulk of the Pakistan Navy remains confined within Karachi harbour, unable to carry out its operation due to the overwhelming Indian naval presence. Due to high tensions in the waters, international maritime traffic was also reportedly impacted, with commercial vessels altering their routes to avoid the tense waters off Karachi.
On the intervening night of May 6 and May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) to avenge the Pahalgam attack.
In response, Pakistan, in a failed attempt, tried to target civilian and military installations in India on the intervening night of May 7 and 8. However, India’s air defence thwarted Pakistan’s drone and missile attack. On the night of May 9, India targeted several Pakistani airbases, including Nur Khan near Rawalpindi and Rahimyar Khan.
However, on Saturday (May 10), India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire.
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