The tense relations between India and Pakistan once again spotlighted military might in South Asia. Operation Sindhur, launched in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in May 2025, marked a historic milestone for the Indian Navy.
In this operation, the Indian Navy deployed 36 warships near Karachi in the Arabian Sea, featuring the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, 7 destroyers, 7 frigates, submarines, and swift attack boats. This deployment was a magnificent display of India’s maritime strength, effectively pushing Pakistan into a defensive posture.
Operation Sindhur
The devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, in May 2025, pushed India towards decisive action. Linked to Pakistan-supported terrorist organizations, India launched a tri-dimensional counteraction through the army, air force, and navy.
The goal of Operation Sindhur was to dismantle terrorist bases and send a clear message to Pakistan that India can retaliate fiercely against any aggression. The unparalleled deployment near Karachi by the Indian Navy left the Pakistani Navy utterly inactive and grabbed international attention.
A Historic Show by the Indian Navy
During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the Indian Navy struck Karachi port using just 6 warships in Operations Trident and Python. That attack devastated Pakistan’s maritime logistics. However, in Operation Sindhur, the Indian Navy deployed a fleet six times bigger, with 36 warships.
1. INS Vikrant and Carrier Battle Group
INS Vikrant, India’s maiden indigenous aircraft carrier, was at the heart of this deployment. The 40,000-ton warship is equipped with MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov helicopters, and advanced air warning systems.
Carrier Battle Group:
Alongside Vikrant, a group of 8-10 warships were deployed, including destroyers, frigates, and support ships, forming an impenetrable maritime wall near Karachi, confining the Pakistani Navy and Air Force to their coast.
Source: aajtak
Strategic Impact:
The MiG-29K aircraft provided air surveillance and strike capability, while helicopters played a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare.
The Indian Navy deployed seven destroyers equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, medium range surface-to-air missiles (MRSAM), and Varunastra heavy torpedoes.
These destroyers were capable of obliterating targets on sea surfaces, air, and undersea threats. The BrahMos missile, capable of striking up to 450 km with a speed of 2.8 Mach, was primed to annihilate strategic targets like Karachi port in no time.
Source: aajtak
Seven stealth guided-missile frigates, including the recently commissioned INS Tushil, were deployed. These frigates, equipped with advanced radar, missile systems, and stealth technology, could effectively counter aerial and maritime threats.
These frigates formed a defensive and offensive maritime wall along the western coast, thwarting any retaliatory moves from the Pakistani Navy.
Estimated six submarines, including the nuclear-powered INS Arihant and conventional Scorpene-class submarines (like INS Kalvari), operated covertly in the Arabian Sea.
These submarines excelled in stealth operations, keeping a vigilant eye on Pakistani naval activities while poised for potential strikes.
Source: aajtak
Several swift attack craft and missile boats were also deployed, designed for quick and precise assaults. These small yet lethal vessels were capable of launching immediate attacks on targets like Karachi port. Their deployment bolstered the Indian Navy’s strength, bringing the total warship count to 36.
In comparison, the deployment by the Indian Navy was far more formidable. Currently, Pakistan has fewer than 30 warships, including four Chinese-made Type 054A/P frigates, several older frigates, and limited submarines. During Operation Sindhur, Pakistani naval vessels mostly remained confined within Karachi port or very close to the shore.
This massive deployment by the Indian Navy had several regional and international ramifications...
Source: aajtak
Operation Sindhur was a remarkable showcase of the Indian Navy’s coordinated readiness and maritime dominance. This deployment was significant on multiple fronts...
Deterrence Strategy: The deployment of 36 warships deterred Pakistan from any aggressive moves, maintaining regional stability.
Indigenous Strength: Utilization of indigenous assets like INS Vikrant and BrahMos missiles highlights India’s self-reliant defense capabilities.
Strategic Message: This deployment sent a clear message to Pakistan and other regional powers like China that India is fully prepared to defend its maritime boundaries in the Indian Ocean.
Joint Warfare Capability: Coordination among the navy, air force, and army demonstrated India’s tri-dimensional warfare capability.
Challenges and Future Direction
While Operation Sindhur highlighted the strength of the Indian Navy, it also presented some challenges...
Logistics: Managing fuel, ammunition, and supply chains for such a massive deployment was complex.
Regional Tensions: This deployment increased regional tensions, necessitating diplomatic solutions.
Pakistan’s Reaction: In the future, Pakistan might attempt to enhance its maritime capability, especially with aid from China.
Moving forward, the Indian Navy will need to further strengthen its submarine fleet, boost the production of indigenous warships, and upgrade surveillance systems in the Indian Ocean.
