Aboard India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a bold message on Friday: Had the Indian Navy actively joined the combat phase of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan may have faced a military defeat worse than 1971.
“In 1971, Pakistan was split into two. If the Navy had entered the fray during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan could have split into four,” Singh declared during his visit to the warship deployed in the Arabian Sea.
Navy’s Silent But Strategic Role
Singh commended the Indian Navy for its behind-the-scenes role in the joint military operation launched after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. While the Indian Air Force led precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the Navy effectively bottled up Pakistani naval assets, ensuring maritime dominance and preventing escalation at sea.
“The Navy didn’t fire a single shot, but their readiness alone tied down the Pakistani fleet. They were too intimidated to even enter open waters,” Singh said.
Precision Power Without Provocation
Singh highlighted the aggressive deployment of the Navy’s Carrier Battle Group, led by INS Vikrant. Within 96 hours of the attack, naval ships conducted successful missile and torpedo drills across the eastern and western coasts, sending a strong strategic signal of India’s preparedness.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Navy’s MiG-29K jets and surveillance helicopters maintained constant patrol, blocking any hostile movement from Pakistan’s Makran coast.
“Our air defence shield was so effective, it denied Pakistan any air or sea space for retaliation,” the official statement noted.
INS Vikrant: Symbol of India’s Naval Strength
Commissioned in 2022, INS Vikrant is a cornerstone of India’s self-reliant defence efforts. It is now poised to receive Rafale Marine jets, France’s premier naval aircraft, which will enhance its combat capabilities further.
“Vikrant means unconquerable. Standing here, I see that power in every sailor. Pakistan was lucky we didn’t unleash the Navy during Operation Sindoor,” Singh warned, urging constant preparedness for future provocations.
What This Means
Operation Sindoor has marked a shift in India’s military doctrine—swift, precise, and integrated. The Indian Navy, traditionally seen as a support arm in land-focused operations, showcased its psychological deterrence capabilities without direct confrontation.
Singh’s message wasn’t just a war posturing—it was a reminder of India’s growing maritime influence and the strength of silent preparedness. As geopolitical tensions rise, India is asserting its ability to dominate not just on land, but across oceans too.
