The Indian Navy’s assertive deployment during Operation Sindoor forced the Pakistan Navy to remain confined near its ports and along the Makran coast, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said on Tuesday. He emphasised that the operation, launched in response to Pakistan-backed terror activities, is still ongoing and continues to shape the strategic maritime environment in the region.
Admiral Tripathi explained that the rapid mobilisation of the Indian Navy’s carrier battle group and other key assets played a decisive role in restricting Pakistan’s naval movement during the May conflict. He also highlighted the economic impact on Pakistan, noting that merchant vessels have increasingly avoided calling at Pakistani ports, significantly raising insurance costs for ships operating in those waters.
Aggressive Naval Posture Restricted Pakistan’s Fleet, Says Admiral Tripathi
Admiral Tripathi said the Indian Navy’s immediate and “aggressive posturing” during Operation Sindoor created a strategic advantage that prevented Pakistan from projecting its maritime power. “The aggressive posturing and immediate action during Op Sindoor, of deployment of the carrier battle group, forced the Pakistan Navy to remain close to their ports or near the Makran coast,” he said.
According to the Navy chief, the forward deployment of a full carrier battle group—India’s most potent naval formation—sent a strong deterrence signal to Islamabad. He said such decisive positioning made Pakistan limit its naval activity to the vicinity of its shoreline rather than the open waters.
Admiral Tripathi also clarified that Operation Sindoor has not concluded, despite the de-escalation that followed the May conflict. “It’s an operation that remains in progress,” he noted, reaffirming that certain operational components and surveillance measures continue.
He added that the operation triggered a significant financial burden on Pakistan. Many merchant ships, wary of the conflict and threats arising from the region, have reduced or suspended travel to Pakistani ports. This avoidance, the Navy chief said, has driven up shipping insurance premiums for vessels still willing to operate in those waters, deepening Pakistan’s economic stress at a time when the country is already grappling with financial instability.
Operation Sindoor was launched by Indian security forces on the night of May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The operation involved strikes deep inside Pakistani territory, targeting terror camps and related infrastructure. Over 100 terrorists were eliminated in the operation, according to official statements.
The Pakistan-backed escalation that followed led to a brief but intense conflict between the two countries. India, in retaliation, destroyed significant military infrastructure across the border. The situation stabilised after both sides agreed to a ceasefire on May 10.
Rajnath Singh Calls Operation Sindoor a Model of Civil–Military Coordination
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, praised Operation Sindoor as an example of strong civil–military cooperation. He said the operation demonstrated how administrative systems and the Armed Forces can work together seamlessly during national emergencies.
Calling the operation a “remarkable example of civil–military fusion,” Singh said civilian administrative machinery played an essential role in supporting the operation by sharing vital intelligence and coordinating public communication efforts. He emphasised that this synergy helped build confidence among citizens during the heightened tensions in early May.
Singh urged young civil servants to understand the importance of their role in safeguarding national interests, especially during crises. “Civil servants must stay prepared for critical situations, just like our soldiers,” he said.
Reflecting on the operation, the defence minister explained that India’s response was “balanced and non-escalatory,” aimed solely at destroying terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). However, he held Islamabad responsible for preventing early normalisation along the border. “It was the misbehaviour of the neighbouring country which did not allow the situation along the border to return to normal,” Singh said.
He also acknowledged the contribution of administrative officers during the nationwide mock drills that were conducted in parallel to ensure readiness and coordination across agencies.
Operation Sindoor continues to influence military and diplomatic calculations between India and Pakistan. While the Navy chief confirms that the operational phase is not yet over, the political and economic repercussions continue to unfold, reinforcing the strategic consequences of India’s response to cross-border terrorism.
