India’s continuous display of its naval and strategic power was highlighted by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent visit to the Indian Navy’s homegrown aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, which is presently stationed in the Arabian Sea.
Singh spoke to navy soldiers on board the destroyer and emphasized the importance of INS Vikrant, which was equipped with MiG-29K fighter jets, as a powerful strategic deterrent against Pakistan during Operation Sindoor earlier this month.
Using the legacy of the 1971 war to emphasize the potential of the Indian Navy, Singh sent a clear signal to Pakistan. He claimed that if the Navy and other military services had been actively involved in Operation Sindoor, Pakistan may have suffered far more serious repercussions than the divide that followed the war in 1971. This was demonstrated in 1971, when Pakistan was split in two when the Indian Navy entered the fray.
In my opinion, Pakistan would have been split into four sections rather than just two if the Indian Navy had intervened during Operation Sindoor, Singh declared.
This declaration served as both a historical allusion and an unmistakable indication of India’s developing naval prowess and willingness to intensify its defense in conflicts to come.
Singh praised the Indian Navy for its “silent service” during his speech, pointing out that although though the Navy did not participate in direct battle during Operation Sindoor, its presence successfully restrained Pakistani forces and preserved maritime superiority.
He praised the Navy’s alertness and the operational preparedness displayed by the Carrier Battle Group, led by INS Vikrant, which made sure that there was constant monitoring and real-time threat detection throughout the area.
As “a grateful Indian” standing among the protectors of India’s maritime boundaries, the defense minister thanked the sailors and officers for their commitment and bravery. His commendation was both official and personal.
Singh’s comments also contained a warning about the future. He threatened to respond forcefully to any future “unholy act” by Pakistan, perhaps with the Indian Navy taking the lead for the first time.
Singh was clear on the subject of cross-border terrorism. He called on Pakistan to dismantle its own terrorist infrastructure and turn over wanted terrorists like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed to India. He highlighted that much more must be done by Pakistan to show that it is serious about fighting terrorism, but he referenced the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, who was implicated in the Mumbai terror attacks, as an example of a move towards justice.
Singh emphasized in his closing remarks the Indian Navy’s changing position as a strategic force that strengthens India’s footprint throughout the Indo-Pacific, in addition to its responsibility as the guardian of the Indian Ocean.
With INS Vikrant representing “indomitable courage and unconquerable power,” he claimed that India is evolving from a regional power to a global maritime powerhouse.
His visit and remarks demonstrate India’s increasing self-assurance and aggressiveness in its defense posture, sending a message to its enemies and the world community that it is ready to protect its interests with never-before-seen vigor and determination.
