Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a stern warning to Pakistan on Friday while addressing naval personnel aboard INS Vikrant, stating that had the Indian Navy joined the full offensive during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan could have been split into four parts—worse than its 1971 defeat.
Speaking from India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, Singh said, “1971 is evidence—when the Indian Navy acted, Pakistan was divided into two. If it had acted during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan could have been split into four.” His comments came during a review of naval readiness and post-operation assessments.
Singh praised the Navy’s “silent but decisive” role in Operation Sindoor, which followed the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. While the Air Force launched precision strikes on terror camps across the border, the Navy maintained aggressive forward deployment, bottling up Pakistani naval assets and preventing any maritime aggression.
“Despite staying silent, the Navy tied down Pakistan’s forces. Your maritime dominance forced them into a defensive posture. They didn’t even dare enter the open sea,” Singh said.
Singh highlighted that within 96 hours of the terror attack, the Navy’s Western Fleet had conducted live firings of surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, as well as torpedoes, asserting India’s maritime supremacy and combat preparedness.
“These long-range strikes not only demonstrated capability but also delivered a strong message. The enemy’s morale broke under your sheer preparedness,” he told the crew.
INS Vikrant, leading the Navy’s Carrier Battle Group during the operation, played a central role in maintaining maritime superiority. Equipped with MiG-29K jets and early warning helicopters, it created a 24/7 surveillance net and a strong air defence shield.
A government statement noted that the Vikrant-led group thwarted any Pakistani aerial or naval activity from the Makran coast and ensured full sea control, validating India’s missile defence and aerial combat capabilities.
INS Vikrant, commissioned in 2022, is a cornerstone of India’s push for a self-reliant defence sector. It is now set to receive Rafale Marine jets, following a recent India-France deal for 26 aircraft—22 single-seaters and four dual-seaters—bolstering its offensive reach alongside MiG-29Ks.
Ending his address with a clear warning, Singh said the Navy must remain fully prepared for future provocations: “Pakistan was lucky the Navy didn’t act this time. But if they try anything again, the Navy will respond—and only God knows what will happen next.”
Lauding the Navy’s commitment to national security, Singh declared, “The name ‘Vikrant’ means indomitable courage. Today, standing with you brave warriors, I see that spirit alive. You represent India’s true power.”
