The Indian Navy was just minutes away from launching a strike on Pakistan from the sea during Operation Sindoor before Islamabad sought a halt to military action, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi revealed on Wednesday.
Speaking at a naval investiture ceremony, where he presented Yudh Seva Medals to two senior officers for their role in the operation, Admiral Tripathi highlighted the force’s high level of preparedness and aggressive posture during the mission launched after last year’s Pahalgam terror attack.
‘Minutes Away’ From Strike
“It is not a hidden fact anymore that we were just minutes away from striking Pakistan from the sea, when they requested stoppage of kinetic actions,” the Navy chief said, underlining how close the situation came to escalation.
He said Operation Sindoor showcased the Indian Navy’s “exemplary readiness and resolve”, with rapid deployment of assets and sustained operational pressure throughout the period.
Show of Strength and Strategic Reach
Admiral Tripathi added that the Navy’s swift and decisive actions during the operation strengthened public confidence in its capabilities.
“Through swift and resolute actions during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Navy reinforced the nation’s confidence and trust in its capabilities,” he said.
He also referred to a “historic” 17-hour overnight embarkation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the western seaboard, describing it as an opportunity to demonstrate the Navy’s operational depth and reach.
Concerns Over West Asia Conflict
Turning to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Navy chief noted its impact on global maritime activity.
He said more than 20 merchant vessels have been attacked since the war involving the US, Israel and Iran began, while nearly 1,900 ships remain stranded amid the hostilities.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply, with only six to seven vessels transiting daily compared to a pre-conflict average of around 130, he added, signalling significant disruption to one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
