Did Aggressive Maneuvers in Operation Sindoor Keep the Pak Navy Docked?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Operation Sindoor keeps the Pakistani Navy confined.
- Indian Navy's aggressive posturing is crucial for maritime security.
- Financial strain on Pakistan due to increased insurance rates.
- Indian Navy's commitment to anti-piracy operations remains strong.
- Continuous presence in the Gulf of Aden enhances global maritime trade security.
New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi stated on Tuesday that the Indian Navy's decisive approach during Operation Sindoor in May forced the Pakistani Navy to remain restricted to their ports and along the Makran coast, which stopped them from sailing into the open waters.
During his annual press conference, held just two days ahead of the Navy Day celebrations, Admiral Tripathi emphasized that the Navy has upheld a high level of operational readiness over the past seven to eight months, especially in the Western Arabian Sea, due to heightened tensions with Pakistan.
While he refrained from providing detailed information, he mentioned that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing. "Initiating with Operation Sindoor—it's an operation that continues, and thus, many aspects of it cannot be disclosed publicly for clear reasons," he remarked.
The Navy chief highlighted that the prompt mobilization of naval forces was vital in influencing the current scenario.
"As you might have observed, we reiterated our commitment, preparedness, abilities, and deterrence capacity. It is enough to say that the assertive posturing and rapid actions during Operation Sindoor, including the deployment of the carrier battle group in the northern Arabian Sea, resulted in the Pakistani Navy remaining either in their ports or close to the Makran coast, preventing any forays into open waters," he conveyed.
Admiral Tripathi noted that the operation has imposed significant financial strain on Pakistan, as numerous merchant vessels chose not to visit its ports following the conflicts.
He added that insurance rates for vessels traveling to Pakistan have surged considerably.
He also stressed the Indian Navy's proactive stance against evolving maritime threats, including challenges posed by non-state actors like the Houthis in the Red Sea.
As per Admiral Tripathi, the Navy has deployed 40 capital ships to safeguard vital sea routes and to ensure the seamless transit of cargo valued at nearly $5.6 billion.
He noted that Indian warships have apprehended 52 pirates in recent operations and highlighted the Navy's consistent presence in the Gulf of Aden since 2008, having deployed 138 warships and ensured the safe escort of almost 7,800 merchant vessels.
Currently, 40 ships are engaged in anti-piracy roles, with the Navy having rescued 520 individuals at sea over the past year.