Operation Sindoor: Indian Navy ensures “Dissuasion”, “Deterrence” against Pakistan Navy
Dr. Vijay Sakhuja
22 May 2025
Much of the military action associated with Operation Sindoor involved the Indian Army and the Air Force and was focused along the western land borders and the contiguous air space particularly in the Jammu and Kashmir (Union Territory), Punjab and Rajasthan. The Indian Navy, according to Vice Admiral A N Pramod, Director General of Naval Operations, was forward deployed in the Northern Arabian Sea in a “dissuasive and deterrent” mode and was ready to “strike select targets at sea, and on land, including Karachi.”
Vice Admiral Pramod further explained that “multiple sensors” were in operation to “neutralise threats as they emerge[d] or manifest[ed] to ensure targeting at extended ranges.” These operations were conducted “under the umbrella of a comprehensive and effective layered fleet air defence mechanism that caters for all threats, be it drones, high-speed missiles or aircraft, both fighters as well as surveillance aircraft.”
The Indian Navy, according to Vice Admiral Pramod, had maintained “continuous surveillance” thereby gaining ascendency in maritime domain awareness of sea areas along the Makaran Coast which is dotted with multiple maritime infrastructure such as ports (Karachi, Port Qasim and Gwadar) and fishing harbours, and other critical energy and connectivity assets. The movement of the Pakistan Navy ships and aircraft that operate out of Karachi, Turbat, Ormara, Pasni and the Jinnah Naval Base was continuously observed.
There are now reports that the Indian Navy had deployed 36 frontline naval assets, the largest since the 1971 India Pakistan War. Ships from the Eastern and Western commands were mobilized. The Carrier Battle Group (CBG) led by INS Vikrant (with 36 aircraft - MiG-29Ks, MH-60Rs, and ALH), destroyers, frigates, corvettes, missile vessels, submarines, and numerous maritime patrol aircraft had remained in high combat state in the north Arabian Sea. Between them, these ships carried over five dozen BrahMos missiles (naval variant with 290 kilometers range) including those with land attack capability. These were supplemented by several 300 kilometers range Klub land-attack missiles fitted on Russian origin warships (Talwar class) and submarines (Kilo class). Meanwhile, the aviation assets “ensured persistent surveillance and real-time identification of threats across the maritime domain,” and ship-borne helicopters provided anti-submarine support. These, according to the Indian Ministry of Defence, helped the Indian Navy “establish uncontested control over the seas.”
At another level, there are no references in the open source about the deployment of Indian nuclear submarines; however, suffice to say these are “platforms for second strike” and such deployments are highly secretive. Besides, such information is “need to know” and meant for select few who are entrusted with decision making.
A nuclear submarine is equipped with missiles to deliver significant strike capacity in terms of range and yield. Further, its inherent stealth characteristics allow it to remain underwater to launch its weapon load and move away after firing. Nuclear submarines also support assured retaliatory capability against a punitive first strike. The Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRV) capability further adds to deterrence.
Indian Navy’s nuclear-powered submarines include INS Arihant (S2), INS Arighaat (S3), and INS Aridhaman (S4), and two more (S5) and Project 75 Alpha are under development. According to media, INS Chakra-III, an Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine leased from Russia, is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy by 2025. Reportedly, Arighaat and Arihant carry K-15 Sagarika ballistic missiles with a range of 750 kilometers. Apparently, the Indian Navy is also exploring MIRV capability for the K-4 and K-5 missiles.
Indian Navy’s nuclear submarines are part of India’s nuclear triad which “enhance nuclear deterrence, help in establishing strategic balance & peace in the region, and play a decisive role in the security of the country.” These platforms serve as the second-strike retaliatory capability against adversaries i.e. China and Pakistan, and support deterrence.
The overwhelming “dissuasive and deterrent” combat posture of the Indian Navy was successful in bottling up the Pakistan Navy close to its shores. The military technological investments made by the Indian government into building its navy have paid off. Further, the rapid deployment and strategic posturing by the Indian Navy has now established a “new naval normal” against the Pakistan Navy.
Dr. Vijay Sakhuja is Professor and Head, Center of Excellence for Geopolitics and International Studies (CEGIS), REVA University, Bengaluru and is associated with Kalinga International Foundation, New Delhi.
