New Delhi :On April 23, 2025, a brutal terrorist attack shook the Baisaran area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, popularly known as the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India. Twenty-six tourists lost their lives, including Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was on his honeymoon with his wife, Himanshi. Following the attack, Kashmir witnessed its first-ever shutdown against terrorism in 35 years, with participation from various organizations and communities.
Indian Navy Demonstrates Strength: “Unity in Strength; Purposeful Presence”
On April 26, the Indian Navy shared an impactful image on its official handle @IndiannavyMedia, showing four warships patrolling the seas together.
The caption read: “Unity in Strength; Purposeful Presence” along with hashtags #MissionReady #AnytimeAnywhereAnyhow, sending a clear message of the Navy’s readiness and resolve.
India’s Tough Measures: Indus Water Treaty Suspended, Attari Border Post Closed
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India took several decisive actions:
- Suspended the Indus Waters Treaty
- Closed the Attari border post
- Severed all trade ties with Pakistan
In retaliation, Pakistan broke off all trade relations with India, labeling the Indian actions as a “declaration of war.”
INS Surat Missile Test: Navy Showcases Operational Readiness
Amid the rising tensions, the Indian Navy successfully conducted a medium-range surface-to-air missile test from the guided-missile destroyer INS Surat in the Arabian Sea, highlighting its operational capabilities.
Indian Navy vs Pakistani Navy: A Comparison of Strengths
| Indian Navy | Pakistani Navy |
|---|---|
| 293 vessels | 121 vessels |
| 2 aircraft carriers | 0 aircraft carriers |
| 16 conventional submarines | 8 conventional submarines |
| 2 nuclear-powered submarines | 0 nuclear-powered submarines |
The Indian Navy boasts indigenous technologies, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Barak-8 missile systems, while Pakistan largely relies on Chinese-supplied weaponry.
Strategic Dominance: India’s Maritime Superiority
- India controls 56 major ports and has a 7,000 km long coastline.
- The Andaman and Nicobar Command gives India strategic access near the Malacca Strait.
- Pakistan, by comparison, has only three major ports — Karachi, Gwadar, and Port Qasim — limiting its naval logistics.
Historical Legacy: Lessons from the 1971 War
The Indian Navy showcased its prowess during the 1971 Indo-Pak war by successfully crippling Karachi port. Today, it remains a dominant maritime power in the Indian Ocean, actively participating in global anti-piracy missions and strategic operations.
Border Tensions and Global Reactions
- Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), to which India gave a strong response.
- Indian diaspora in London and other cities staged protests outside Pakistan High Commissions, condemning terrorism and accusing Pakistan of harboring militant groups.
Conclusion: Indian Navy Fully Prepared for Any Challenge
With overwhelming superiority in technology, fleet size, and strategic positioning, the Indian Navy stands far ahead of its Pakistani counterpart. In any potential conflict, India’s maritime dominance would be clearly visible.