India was close to launching a naval strike against Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said, reflecting on the military posture adopted during the May 2025 operation, reported Hindustan Times. Speaking at a Naval Investiture Ceremony, he noted that the Indian Navy maintained an aggressive stance and was prepared for action when hostilities were halted.
According to remarks reported by ANI, Admiral Tripathi said the Navy was "just minutes away from striking Pakistan from sea" before Pakistan requested a stoppage of kinetic actions. The statement highlights the level of preparedness maintained by the maritime forces during the tense period.
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Operation launched after Pahalgam attack
Operation Sindoor began on May 7, 2025, nearly two weeks after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians were killed. The military action was aimed at targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
More than 100 terrorists were reported killed during the operation. The situation escalated into a brief period of military confrontation between India and Pakistan before both sides announced a cessation of hostilities on May 10.
Aggressive naval posture maintained
Admiral Tripathi reportedly said the Indian Navy maintained a highly aggressive posture throughout the operation. The deployment, he noted, played a role in shaping the overall military environment during the conflict period.
"It is not a hidden fact anymore that we were just minutes away from striking Pakistan from sea, when they requested the stoppage of kinetic actions," he was quoted as saying by HT.
He added that the Navy's swift actions reinforced national confidence and demonstrated operational readiness. The force also maintained a high operational tempo during the year alongside the activities related to Operation Sindoor.
Capabilities showcased during PM embarkation
The Navy chief also referred to a 17-hour overnight embarkation on the Western Seaboard with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During this period, the Navy showcased the range and depth of its operational capabilities.
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"Through swift and resolute actions during the Op Sindoor, the Indian Navy reinforced the nation's confidence and trust in its capabilities. Besides Op Sindoor and the relentless operational tempo through the year, we were also very proud to showcase the breadth and depth of our operational capabilities to the Hon'ble Prime Minister during a historic 17-hour overnight embarkation with the Indian Navy on the Western Seaboard," he said, according to the ANI report.
Earlier, Admiral Tripathi had also stated that the Navy's positioning compelled the Pakistan Navy to remain close to its ports or near the Makran coast. He further noted that Operation Sindoor continues and has not yet formally concluded.
