Amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Navy has intensified its operations in the Arabian Sea. This surge in naval activity follows India's "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, 2025, a retaliatory strike prompted by the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
The Indian Navy's Western Fleet, based in Mumbai, has deployed a task force closer to Pakistani waters, positioning itself approximately 300-400 nautical miles from Karachi. This strategic maneuver aims to monitor Pakistani naval movements and secure maritime routes in the Arabian Sea. Karachi, a critical port city handling 60% of Pakistan's trade and hosting its naval headquarters, is considered a strategic target. A naval blockade or strike could significantly cripple Pakistan's economy and military operations.
Indian Navy assets, including warships equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, are part of this forward deployment. The BrahMos, with its ability to evade air defenses and strike with minimal warning, poses a significant threat. The 600-nautical-mile sea route from Mumbai to Karachi places Indian warships within striking distance, especially with the BrahMos' extended-range variants. The missile has a range of 290-800 km and speeds up to Mach 3, and it can strike targets with pinpoint accuracy. Indian Navy vessels, such as Rajput-class destroyers, Talwar-class frigates, and Kolkata-class destroyers, are equipped with BrahMos vertical launch systems, enhancing India's maritime strike capabilities.
In addition to the forward deployment, the Indian Navy has been conducting extensive exercises within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Arabian Sea. These exercises involve live firing drills and anti-ship and anti-aircraft firings, demonstrating combat readiness and deterring potential threats. The Indian Coast Guard has also deployed vessels in forward areas near the International Maritime Boundary off the Gujarat coast, working alongside the Navy to enhance surveillance.
Amid these developments, India's National Hydrographic Office has issued a navigation warning for commercial ships in the Arabian Sea, advising them to avoid specific zones of naval activity to ensure safety during ongoing operations. Reports indicate that the Pakistan Navy has also intensified its maneuvers in the Arabian Sea, including live firing drills. Tensions remain high, and the navies of both nations are on high alert.
The situation has led to a series of events, including reported explosions in Karachi. Pakistan's military claimed to have shot down multiple Indian drones over Pakistani cities, including Karachi, with resulting casualties. India, on the other hand, claimed to have targeted Pakistan's air defense radars and neutralized a defense system in Lahore.
Amidst the escalating conflict, INS Vikrant, India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier, has been deployed to the Arabian Sea. The Indian Navy has also reportedly struck Karachi Port, causing heavy damage.
The recent events have led to airspace closures and trade suspensions between the two countries. Pakistan has also rejected India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, further exacerbating tensions.
