In the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Navy has asserted its readiness and capabilities in a strong message to Pakistan. Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the attack. The Navy's forward deployment in the Arabian Sea forced Pakistani naval and air units into a defensive posture.

Swift Deployment and Combat Readiness

Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), the Indian Navy swiftly mobilized its forces. The Navy's Carrier Battle Group, surface forces, submarines, and aviation assets were immediately deployed in the Arabian Sea with full combat readiness. This deployment was part of Operation Sindoor, India's response to the terror attack.

Vice Admiral AN Pramod highlighted the Navy's combat readiness, stating that the forces were fully prepared to strike select targets at sea and on land, including Karachi, at a time of their choosing. He emphasized that the Navy maintained continuous maritime domain awareness throughout the operation, closely monitoring the locations and movements of Pakistani units. Within 96 hours of the terror attack, the Navy conducted multiple weapon firings in the Arabian Sea, testing and refining tactics and procedures.

Strategic Posture and Deterrence

The Indian Navy's forward deployment in the northern Arabian Sea adopted a "decisive and deterrent posture". This strategic positioning compelled Pakistani naval and air units to remain in a defensive stance, primarily within harbors or close to the coastline. The Indian forces closely monitored these movements. The Navy's actions aimed to deter further aggression and maintain regional stability.

Vice Admiral Pramod emphasized that India's response was measured, proportionate, non-escalatory, and responsible from the outset. He also issued a warning that any further hostile action from Pakistan would be met with a decisive response, with Pakistan fully aware of the potential consequences.

Operation Sindoor and International Reaction

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam attack. The operation involved precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian Army and Air Force also participated in the operation, destroying significant portions of terrorist infrastructure.

The Indian government revealed the deployment of Indian Navy assets in the Arabian Sea for the first time during a press briefing. Vice Admiral Pramod stated that the Navy was ready to strike various Pakistani targets at sea and on land, including Karachi.

Modernization and Expansion of the Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has been focused on developing indigenous platforms, systems, sensors, and weapons as part of its modernization and expansion efforts. As of January 2025, the Navy had 64 vessels of various types under construction, including destroyers, frigates, corvettes, and submarines. The Navy aims to have 155-160 warships by 2030 and 175-200 warships by 2035. Recent additions to the Indian Navy include INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer, commissioned in January 2025. The Navy also plans to upgrade military facilities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep to enhance its presence in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. In April 2025, the Indian Navy signed a contract to procure 26 Dassault Rafale M fighter aircraft for its aircraft carriers, with deliveries expected by 2030.