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The article details the Indian Navy's response to the Pahalgam terror attack, highlighting its immediate deployment and readiness for offensive action. The Navy, comprising carrier battle groups, submarines, and aviation assets, was positioned in the northern Arabian Sea in a “dissuasive and deterrent” posture. Vice Admiral AN Pramod, the Director General of Naval Operations (DGNO), emphasized that the Navy was prepared to strike select targets at sea and on land, including Karachi, at a time of India’s choosing. This forward deployment aimed to send a strong message to Pakistan and deter any further aggression following the terrorist attack. The article outlines the strategic considerations and tactical refinements undertaken by the Navy in the aftermath of the incident.
Within 96 hours of the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Navy conducted multiple weapon firings in the Arabian Sea to test and refine its tactics and procedures. This rapid response demonstrated the Navy's preparedness and its commitment to maintaining a high level of combat readiness. The DGNO stated that the aim of these exercises was to revalidate the crew, armament, equipment, and platform readiness to deliver various ordnance on selected targets with precision. This involved ensuring that all systems were functioning optimally and that personnel were well-trained and capable of executing their assigned tasks effectively. The Navy's emphasis on precision strikes underscores its focus on minimizing collateral damage and maximizing the impact of its operations.
The article also highlights the impact of the Indian Navy's forward deployment on Pakistani naval and air units. According to Vice Admiral Pramod, the Indian Navy's presence compelled Pakistani forces to adopt a defensive posture, primarily remaining inside harbors or close to their coast. This suggests that the Indian Navy's deployment was successful in deterring any potential retaliatory actions by Pakistan. Furthermore, the Indian Navy maintained seamless maritime domain awareness throughout the duration of the deployment, ensuring that it was fully aware of the location and movement of Pakistani units. This comprehensive awareness allowed the Navy to maintain a strategic advantage and effectively monitor the situation in the region.
Vice Admiral Pramod emphasized the importance of battlespace transparency, enabled by India's maritime domain awareness grid. This grid provides a comprehensive picture of the maritime environment, allowing the Indian Navy to track vessels, monitor activities, and identify potential threats. By maintaining a clear understanding of the situation at sea, the Navy was able to make informed decisions and respond effectively to any challenges. The use of advanced technology and intelligence gathering capabilities is crucial in maintaining battlespace transparency and ensuring that the Navy remains one step ahead of its adversaries.
The article further elaborates on India's calibrated approach, which involved considering all options, including the ability of the Indian Navy to conduct offensive actions from and at sea. This approach reflects a strategic mindset that prioritizes flexibility and adaptability in responding to evolving security challenges. The Navy's ability to project power and influence in the maritime domain is a key component of India's overall defense strategy. By maintaining a credible deterrent posture, the Indian Navy contributes to regional stability and protects India's national interests.
The application of force by the Navy was planned in a synchronized manner, in concert with the Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF), as part of an escalation control mechanism. This highlights the importance of joint operations and inter-service coordination in modern warfare. Teams from the three services worked closely in an integrated manner to ensure that all actions were aligned and mutually reinforcing. This collaborative approach maximizes the effectiveness of military operations and enhances India's overall defense capabilities.
The overwhelming operational edge of the Navy at sea, along with kinetic actions by the Army and IAF, contributed towards Pakistan's urgent request for a ceasefire, according to Vice Admiral Pramod. This suggests that the Indian military's coordinated response put significant pressure on Pakistan, leading to their decision to de-escalate the situation. The Navy's ability to project power, maintain maritime domain awareness, and conduct precision strikes played a crucial role in achieving this outcome.
The article concludes by stating that the Navy remains deployed at sea in a credible deterrent posture to respond decisively to any inimical action by Pakistan or Pakistan-based terrorists. This continued presence underscores India's commitment to maintaining security in the region and protecting its national interests. The Indian Navy's readiness to respond to any threat serves as a strong deterrent against future acts of aggression.
The events following the Pahalgam attack included precision strikes by India on terror infrastructure, followed by Pakistani attempts to attack Indian military bases. India responded strongly, inflicting heavy damages on key Pakistani military installations, including air bases, air defence systems, command and control centres, and radar sites. This tit-for-tat exchange highlights the volatile nature of the relationship between India and Pakistan and the potential for escalation in times of crisis.
Ultimately, India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air, and sea, with immediate effect. This agreement, announced by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, marked a positive step towards de-escalation and a return to normalcy. However, the underlying tensions between the two countries remain, and the need for continued dialogue and cooperation is essential to maintaining peace and stability in the region. The Indian Navy's role in deterring aggression and maintaining maritime security will continue to be vital in ensuring India's national security interests are protected.
Source: Navy still forward deployed to strike, even at Karachi