Could the Indian Navy Have Split Pakistan into Four?

Panaji, May 30 (NationPress) - Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that if the Indian Navy had been completely engaged during 'Operation Sindoor', Pakistan might have been divided into four distinct entities. Speaking aboard INS Vikrant, India's inaugural indigenous aircraft carrier, located off the Goa coast, Singh remarked, “The events of 1971 illustrate that when the Indian Navy engages in warfare, history takes a different turn. Had the Navy been fully operational during 'Operation Sindoor', it could have led to a division of Pakistan into not just two, but potentially four parts.”

He pointed out that 'Operation Sindoor' remains ongoing, merely representing a “pause and a warning.”

“Should Pakistan repeat its errors, India’s retaliation will be more severe, and this time there will be no opportunity for recovery,” he asserted.

Singh characterized 'Operation Sindoor' as more than a military initiative; it is “India’s direct offensive against terrorism.”

“We will utilize every conceivable method against Pakistan, including those they cannot fathom,” Singh stated.

He praised the deployment of the INS Vikrant Carrier Battle Group as a definitive showcase of India's naval strength and strategic objectives.

“Your mere readiness demoralized the adversary. Pakistan was deterred not merely by action, but by your preparedness,” he expressed to naval personnel.

Reflecting on the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Singh remarked, “Hafiz Saeed orchestrated the Mumbai attacks. It is imperative that justice is served for that abhorrent crime committed via the sea. However, true justice cannot be achieved in Pakistan.”

He mentioned that India has recently succeeded in extraditing Tahawwur Rana, another individual implicated in the Mumbai attacks.

“Pakistan continuously proposes dialogue -- their Prime Minister reiterated this yesterday -- but we have clarified that discussions will solely focus on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. If Pakistan is earnest, it must extradite terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar,” Singh affirmed.

Highlighting the operational capabilities of INS Vikrant, the Minister noted that the carrier can host over 30 aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters.

“Standing aboard Vikrant, a symbol of India’s maritime prowess, fills me with joy, pride, and assurance. As long as India’s maritime borders are entrusted to you, no one will dare challenge us,” Singh proclaimed.

“Within 96 hours, our Western Fleet conducted several successful missile firings and torpedo launches from both the eastern and western coasts. This demonstrates not only our combat readiness but also our strategic reach,” he elaborated.

Singh also asserted that modern warfare transcends traditional combat.

“Today’s conflicts are fought not only with weaponry but also through cyber capabilities, space superiority, and strategic deterrence. I take pride in stating that our Navy is progressing in all these areas. It is not just a guardian of the Indian Ocean but has evolved into a global strategic force,” he noted.

He commended the collaboration between the three armed forces and their coordination with other ministries and agencies during 'Operation Sindoor'.