New Delhi, 2 December (H.S.): Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, revealed on Tuesday that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan’s Navy refrained from venturing out of its ports owing to India’s aggressive stance and swift deployment of the Carrier Battle Group. He said the immediate and decisive action forced the Pakistani fleet to remain confined to its harbors.
Addressing the Navy’s annual press conference, Admiral Tripathi stated that India is expected to receive the first batch of four Rafale-Marine fighter aircraft from France by 2029. Reflecting on the service’s achievements, he noted that since the last Navy Day, the Indian Navy has commissioned one submarine and twelve warships. Notably, INS Udaygiri became the 100th indigenously designed and commissioned warship by the Navy’s design bureau.
Admiral Tripathi credited the timely deployment of the Carrier Battle Group for deterring Pakistan’s naval aggression during air skirmishes in May. He reiterated that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, as its economic impact continues to affect Pakistan.
The operation disrupted Islamabad’s military infrastructure and discouraged international merchant vessels from docking there, which in turn elevated insurance costs for ships bound for Pakistani ports.He affirmed that the Indian Navy is advancing into the next decade with a clear understanding of its long-term strategic objectives.
Over the past year, the Navy has completed around 11,000 ship days and 50,000 flying hours, continuing its operational momentum. Since 2008, India has continuously deployed one warship in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy patrols — a deployment that has now involved 138 ships escorting more than 3,700 merchant vessels from various nations.
Referring to the recent Red Sea crisis that began on November 23, the Navy Chief said piracy activities have increased, and Indian forces have apprehended 62 pirates so far. Due to the growing threats from non-state actors like Houthi militants, India currently has 40 capital ships deployed with essential assets such as helicopters and logistics support.
Responding to a question, Admiral Tripathi mentioned that the Navy has escorted 376 merchant vessels carrying over 15.2 million metric tonnes of cargo worth more than USD 6.5 billion, ensuring safe maritime trade routes. During these operations, more than 520 lives were saved and over 30 incidents were successfully resolved.
One Indian warship even received a commendation from the International Maritime Organization for rescuing nine crew members from the Omani motor tanker Prestige Falcon. The Chief added that he also received a personal letter of appreciation from the Oman Navy Chief.
Citing further achievements, he said that since 2008, 138 warships have been deployed in the Gulf of Aden, escorting nearly 7,800 merchant ships safely. He highlighted that anti-narcotic operations conducted jointly with national agencies last year resulted in the seizure of contraband worth Rs 43,300 crore.
“As the first responder in crisis situations at sea, the Indian Navy continues to uphold its duty with pride,” Admiral Tripathi stated.He further recounted humanitarian missions, including the evacuation of three medical emergencies from MV Heelan Star to Goa on March 21.
During the Myanmar earthquake on March 28, India launched Operation Brahma, dispatching five ships carrying over 500 metric tonnes of relief materials within 48 hours.On the Navy’s ongoing rescue missions, Admiral Tripathi said three crew members were rescued from the sunken tanker MSC on May 25, while 18 sailors were saved from the Singaporean tanker MV Wan Hai 503 on June 9.
Discussing Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched after Cyclone Dithva in Sri Lanka, he said the relief mission remains active. INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri were the first to deliver emergency aid, transporting 12 tonnes of supplies and helicopters that saved eight lives. Yesterday, INS Sukanya also delivered an additional 10 to 12 tonnes of relief material to Trincomalee, continuing India’s steadfast humanitarian support to the island nation.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
