Forces were minutes from sea strike on Pakistan during Operation Sindoor: Indian Navy Chief Admiral Tripathi

New Delhi: The Indian Navy came within minutes of launching strikes against Pakistan from the sea during last year's Operation Sindoor, Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi has disclosed, highlighting the force's "highly aggressive posture" in the brief but tense conflict.

Addressing the Naval Investiture Ceremony in Mumbai, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said Indian naval units had maintained swift deployment and readiness throughout the operation, which was triggered by a terror attack in Pahalgam by Pakistan-trained terrorists. "It is not a hidden fact anymore that we were just minutes away from striking Pakistan from the sea when they requested a stoppage of kinetic actions," the Admiral said.

He added, "Operation Sindoor demonstrated exemplary readiness and resolve of the Indian Navy, as our units undertook swift deployment and maintained a highly aggressive posture throughout the period." Through these actions, he said, the Navy reinforced "the nation’s confidence and trust in its capabilities."

During the May conflict, India had deployed several naval ships, including a carrier battle group led by INS Vikrant, establishing dominance in the northern Arabian Sea and effectively confining the Pakistan Navy to its ports and the Makran coast.

The disclosure came during the ceremony at INS Shikra, where Admiral Tripathi presented gallantry and distinguished service awards on behalf of the President of India. Individual honours included two Yudh Seva Medals, 12 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), eight Nao Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty) and 18 Vishisht Seva Medals.

Beyond the Pakistan operation, the admiral painted a broader picture of maritime challenges. "The global order is marked by increasing fragmentation and friction," he warned. "In such an environment, the seas are no longer secondary theatres... instead they are becoming the first arena where strategic intent is signaled and contested, often with disproportionate consequences."

He pointed to recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz as a stark example. Since the start of conflicts there, more than 23 merchant vessels have been attacked, nearly 1,900 remain stranded, and daily traffic has plummeted to just 6–7 transits from a pre-conflict average of about 130.

Admiral Tripathi stressed the need for agility amid evolving technology and tactics: "The prevailing maritime environment demands a careful alignment of functional agility and farsightedness at the organisational level, combat readiness... and professional excellence anchored in boldness and judgement at the individual level."

On the domestic front, he praised the Navy's progress towards self-reliance. "Sustained focus on Aatmanirbharta not only enabled us to complete our transformation to a Builders Navy but also helped us gain strong momentum in capability induction with the commissioning of 12 ships and submarines in a single year."

The Navy also continued its humanitarian role as a "First Responder," conducting HADR missions including Operation Brahma in Myanmar and Operation Sagar Bandhu in Sri Lanka. Admiral Tripathi honoured the "enduring success of the Indian Navy, built through sustained efforts and quiet perseverance," with the award winners serving as inspiration for the service and beyond.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command, attended alongside officers, sailors, and families of the awardees.