Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 2: Chief of Naval Staff Dinesh K Tripathi on Thursday said that escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran have severely disrupted maritime activity, with more than 20 merchant vessels attacked and nearly 1,900 ships stranded in the region.
Addressing a naval investiture ceremony, Admiral Tripathi noted a sharp decline in traffic through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. “Daily transits have dropped drastically to six or seven, compared to the pre-conflict average of around 130,” he said, underlining the scale of disruption to global trade routes.
He emphasised that in today’s fragmented global order, oceans are no longer secondary theatres of conflict. “The seas are becoming the first arena where strategic intent is signalled and contested, often with disproportionate consequences,” he observed.
The Navy chief also highlighted how emerging technologies and evolving tactics have transformed the nature of warfare, making maritime security challenges increasingly complex and unpredictable. He stressed the need for agility, operational readiness, and professional excellence at all levels within the force to respond effectively.
Referring to Operation Sindoor conducted last year following the Pahalgam terror attack, Admiral Tripathi revealed that the Indian Navy was “minutes away” from launching a strike on Pakistan before Islamabad sought a halt to military actions.
“It is not a hidden fact anymore that we were just minutes away from striking Pakistan from the sea when they requested stoppage of kinetic actions,” he said, adding that the Navy’s swift response reinforced national confidence in its capabilities.
He further stated that the Navy continues to uphold India’s role as a first responder in the region through humanitarian and disaster relief missions, including Operation Brahma and Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Highlighting progress in self-reliance, Admiral Tripathi said the Navy has transitioned into a “builders Navy,” with the commissioning of 12 ships and submarines in a single year, boosting India’s maritime strength and operational preparedness.