KKN Gurugram Desk | Following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India launched a series of strategic military operations led by the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea. Within just 96 hours, the Western Naval Command carried out a high-intensity combat readiness exercise, involving the launch of surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and torpedoes. This show of force preceded the highly coordinated Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure across the Pakistan-occupied territories.

On May 30, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, and lauded the Indian Navy’s swift and effective response.

Missile and Torpedo Drills in 96 Hours

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that, in the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, Indian Navy vessels in the Arabian Sea executed multiple successful strikes with precision-guided missiles and torpedoes as part of combat drills.

“The Navy’s Western Fleet demonstrated India’s resolve by launching accurate long-range missiles and torpedoes from sea platforms within 96 hours. These actions sent a strong strategic message to our adversaries and proved our combat readiness,” said Singh.

According to officials, these drills included:

• Surface-to-surface missile launches simulating long-range land strike scenarios.

• Surface-to-air missile launches designed to repel aerial threats.

• Deployment of advanced torpedoes, underwater weapons intended for enemy submarines and ships.

These exercises reinforced India’s ability to project power from sea to land and deliver retaliatory capability if provoked.

What is a Torpedo and Why It Matters?

A torpedo is a self-propelled underwater missile that can target enemy submarines or ships, often undetected until the point of impact. Its use in military drills shows the Indian Navy’s readiness to neutralize underwater threats — a critical capability in modern naval warfare.

Operation Sindoor: Strategic Strikes Across LoC

In the days following these naval exercises, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, a tri-service operation targeting terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Key Outcomes of Operation Sindoor:

• 9 terror hideouts destroyed across PoK

• Coordinated attacks by Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy

• Deployment of BrahMos cruise missiles and other precision weapon systems

• Minimal collateral damage, maximum strategic impact

• Pakistan’s offensive actions neutralized within 96 hours

The BrahMos missiles, known for their supersonic speed and pinpoint accuracy, played a central role in crippling enemy infrastructure, forcing Pakistan to retreat diplomatically and militarily.

Pakistan’s Reaction: Defensive Posture and Diplomatic Panic

Following India’s surgical strikes, Pakistan attempted to retaliate by targeting Indian military installations. However, Indian forces were prepared.

“The sheer scale and coordination of our response forced Pakistan into a defensive posture. Their attempts to escalate were met with overwhelming force,” said a senior defence official.

India’s multi-layered air defence systems, coastal surveillance, and intelligence coordination successfully neutralized incoming threats.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Address at INS Vikrant

During his visit to INS Vikrant on May 30, Rajnath Singh addressed sailors and officers, praising their contribution to India’s defence posture:

“Your preparedness alone was enough to shake the enemy’s morale. They were defeated not by war, but by your sheer readiness. You didn’t even need to take action — your stance alone was enough.”

He further stated that India’s military operations were halted on its own terms, highlighting India’s confidence and control over escalation dynamics.

“We stopped our military action on our terms. Our forces haven’t even fully flexed their strength yet. What we demonstrated was just the beginning of our capabilities,” Singh remarked.

INS Vikrant: Symbol of India’s Naval Might

INS Vikrant is not just an aircraft carrier — it is a symbol of India’s Make in India initiative, strategic autonomy, and blue water navy aspirations. Equipped with:

• MiG-29K fighter jets

• Advanced radar and combat management systems

• Indigenous weaponry and landing systems

INS Vikrant plays a crucial role in India’s maritime strategy, especially during power projection exercises like those conducted post-Pahalgam.

India’s New Naval Doctrine: Power Projection, Deterrence, and Rapid Response

India’s post-attack response has unveiled a new strategic shift in doctrine:

1. Proactive maritime dominance in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

2. Tri-service coordination in responding to asymmetrical threats

3. Strategic use of naval platforms for both deterrence and offensive operations

4. Rapid retaliation within 96 hours, a standard previously unobserved

Global Implications and Message to the World

The swift Indian retaliation and precision strikes under Operation Sindoor have sent a clear message to adversaries:

• India is not a soft state when it comes to defending its sovereignty.

• Retaliation will be swift, precise, and overwhelming.

• Military deterrence is not limited to the Line of Control (LoC) but extends to deep maritime zones and cross-border airspace.

Moreover, India’s strategy gained international attention as major defense partners acknowledged its restraint and mature use of force.

Public Reaction and Political Support

There has been widespread public and political support for the Armed Forces’ actions. Citizens and political leaders across party lines have applauded the military’s decisiveness.

Social media trends such as:

• #OperationSindoor

• #INSVikrant

• #IndianNavyStrikes

…showed overwhelming sentiment in favor of India’s assertive defense policy.

Preparedness for Future Threats

India is enhancing its multi-domain warfare capability through:

• Investments in drone swarms

• Expansion of underwater surveillance networks

• Integration of AI in naval command systems

• Procurement of next-gen BrahMos variants

The events following the Pahalgam terror attack reflect a major shift in India’s national security doctrine: act swiftly, act precisely, and act with purpose.

The Indian Navy’s 96-hour strike readiness, backed by air and ground operations under Operation Sindoor, showcases a nation ready to defend, deter, and dominate — with or without firing a single shot beyond necessity.