Admiral Tripathi on the high-tempo sea watch that changed Operation Sindoor

The Navy’s aggressive posturing during Operation Sindoor forced Pakistan Navy to remain confined to its ports and coastline, Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said here on Tuesday.

He also disclosed this action by the Indian Navy resulted in a dip in Pakistan’s economy as many reputed merchant shipping companies avoided its ports during the intense action. Moreover, these companies were not willing to pay increase a hike in insurance premiums for their ships, the Navy chief said.

Addressing the annual news conference ahead of the Navy Day on December 4, he also said China did not help Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. However, Pakistan used Chinese-made equipment during the military action.

Stating that Operation Sindoor was still ongoing, Admiral Tripathi said he will not be able to disclose more details adding the force learnt several lessons during the action and analyzing them to further hone readiness. He also mentioned about the high level of synergy between Navy, IAF and Army during the military action.

He also informed that the Navy continues to maintain a high tempo of operations in the region. Also, focus is to further enhance maritime domain awareness to respond to any challenge, and Pakistan does not do anything inimical, Admiral Tripathi said. “We know where Pakistani units are deployed,” he said and ruled out any chance of retaliation.

As regards the Navy’s role in Operation Sindoor, the Navy chief said deployment of India’s carrier battle group in the North Arabian Sea during the four-day action forced Pakistan to remain confined its ports and Makran coastline.

Indian Navy’s action, moreover, had a significant impact on Pakistan’s economy as several shipping companies avoided Pakistan, he said. The Navy chief said there was a dip of ten to 15 per cent in maritime trade of Pakistan.

As regards the ongoing modernisation of the Navy, Admiral Tripathi said the process to seal the proposed acquisition of six stealth submarines under Project 75 India (P75-I) is nearing completion.

He also said that the Navy will get the first four of the 26 Rafale-M fighter jets in 2028. India had inked the `64,000 crore deal with France in April to procure the jets.