Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has revealed crucial details about Operation Sindoor, highlighting how the swift deployment of India's carrier battle group in the North Arabian Sea effectively contained Pakistan Navy operations during a critical period.
Operation Sindoor: A Display of Naval Might
Speaking at the Admiral JG Nadkarni Memorial Lecture in Pune on Sunday, Admiral Tripathi emphasized that India's rapid naval response during Operation Sindoor ensured Pakistan Navy remained close to its coast or within harbor limits. The lecture, organized by Navy Foundation's Pune chapter at Southern Command Hospital auditorium, focused on "Indian Navy – Navigating Amidst Ongoing Flux of Geopolitics, Technology and Tactics."
"The evolving security landscape demands a constant state of preparedness," the naval chief stated, adding that conflicts now occur without warning. He cited Operation Sindoor as a prime example where the Navy executed multiple weapon firings and aggressive manoeuvres within 96 hours of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Future Naval Capabilities and Regional Challenges
Looking ahead, Admiral Tripathi provided significant insights into India's naval expansion plans. He indicated that by the time India inducts its third aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya will be nearing the end of its service life, meaning the Navy foresees operating two aircraft carriers in the future.
The Navy chief also confirmed that the government approved construction of two nuclear-powered conventionally armed submarines (SSNs) last year, marking a major leap in underwater capabilities.
Addressing regional security concerns, Admiral Tripathi noted that Chinese survey and satellite-tracking vessels in the Indian Ocean Region have necessitated re-evaluation of Indian deployment patterns. "At the same time, we ensured that no foreign vessel violates our Exclusive Economic Zone by deploying units and conveying a firm message," he asserted.
Global Security Trends and Technological Transformation
The naval chief highlighted several critical global security trends, pointing out that defence expenditure in Asia and Oceania has risen by over 46% in the past decade, reaching $629 billion in 2024, compared to a global average rise of 37%. This data, sourced from Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, underscores the rapid naval capacity building in the region.
Admiral Tripathi also emphasized the transformative impact of emerging technologies on naval warfare. Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, drones, surveillance, and autonomous naval systems are revolutionizing military operations, with reaction cycles potentially outpacing human decision-making.
The market for autonomous naval vessels, valued at $1.65 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at 10% annually over the next decade, while the military AI market, worth $9.3 billion in 2024, continues its expansion. "Space-based surveillance, drone networks, and AI-driven analytics are creating unprecedented battlespace transparency at sea," he observed.
The Navy chief concluded by stressing that navies must rapidly adapt to these technological changes to maintain strategic advantage in an increasingly complex security environment.
