Yunus Dar | New Delhi

As the Balakot confrontation in February 2019 and its aftermath brought India and Pakistan on the brink of war, the Indian Navy moved its Carrier Battle Group (CBGs) to operational deployment on the western front. According to the official details on naval operations, which emerged later, during the height of tensions with Pakistan over 60 warships were part of a rapid redeployment in the North Arabian sea to give a ‘clear and resolute’ message to Pakistan.

INS Vikramaditya operating with the Western Fleet

The Indian Navy at the time was engaged in a major exercise — the Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX). The exercise was put on hold as the tensions ensued between the two nuclear powers, post the Balakot strike. The Indian Navy then moved forward those warships as it paused the exercise they were involved in, including the recently-inducted Scorpene class INS Kalvari submarine towards the Pakistani coast. The Indian Navy spokesperson had this to say: “The major combat units of the Indian Navy including the Carrier Battle Group with INS Vikramaditya, nuclear submarines and scores of other ships, submarines and aircraft swiftly transited from exercise to operational deployment mode as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated.”

In a scenario where war breaks out with Pakistan, it would require the least intervention of naval power, considering the nation’s geographic location close to the sea with a limited area exposed to the waters. Nevertheless, the Indian Navy can complement the joint strike by the Indian Army and air force along Pakistan’s coastline, with its warships possessing advanced with long-range weapons.