Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 2: Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi on Tuesday said the Indian Navy’s decisive and assertive actions during Operation Sindoor in May forced the Pakistan Navy to remain restricted to their ports and the Makran coast, preventing any movement into the open seas.
Speaking at his annual pre–Navy Day press conference, Admiral Tripathi noted that the Navy has maintained a high state of operational readiness over the past seven to eight months, especially across the Western Arabian Sea, amid heightened tensions with Pakistan.
While declining to share operational details, he confirmed that Operation Sindoor is still active. “It remains in progress, and therefore many of its details cannot be disclosed in the public domain,” he said.
Admiral Tripathi credited rapid deployment and strong maritime posture for shaping the situation in India’s favour.
“Our aggressive stance and swift actions, including the deployment of the carrier battle group in the northern Arabian Sea, compelled the Pakistan Navy to stay confined to their ports or along the Makran coast. They did not venture out,” he stated.
He added that the situation has had economic consequences for Pakistan as well, with many merchant vessels avoiding Pakistani ports during the period of tension. Insurance premiums for ships heading there also rose sharply.
The Navy chief highlighted India’s active response to broader maritime threats, including risks posed by non-state actors like the Houthis in the Red Sea. He said the Navy currently has 40 capital ships deployed to safeguard vital sea lanes, ensuring smooth movement of cargo worth nearly $5.6 billion.
Admiral Tripathi also shared updates on anti-piracy efforts, noting that Indian warships have apprehended 52 pirates in recent missions. The Navy has maintained a continuous presence in the Gulf of Aden since 2008, deploying 138 warships and escorting nearly 7,800 merchant vessels safely.
Currently, 40 ships are engaged in anti-piracy and maritime security duties, and over the past year alone, the Navy has rescued 520 people at sea, he added.