Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has stated that the threat of offensive action by the Indian Navy was a pivotal factor compelling Pakistan to seek a ceasefire following the launch of Operation Sindoor. The senior naval commander made these remarks during a media interaction on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
Operation Sindoor: A Display of Naval Might
Operation Sindoor was initiated as a direct military response to the devastating terrorist attacks in Pahalgam on April 25, which claimed the lives of 26 people. Elaborating on the naval dimension, Vice Admiral Swaminathan, who is the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, detailed the rapid and formidable deployment.
He revealed that the Indian Navy deployed over 30 ships and submarines in a very short span. The nation's frontline warships, operating under the protective umbrella of the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant battle group, were strategically positioned for combat off Pakistan's Makran coast.
"The offensive deployment and posturing of the Navy also included a successful weapons firing in April, and forced the Pakistan Navy to remain close to its coast," Swaminathan said. "In fact, the threat of offensive action by the Indian Navy could be considered one of the important factors in Pakistan requesting a ceasefire." He confirmed that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, with the Navy ready to support national maritime interests.
Regional Vigilance and Internal Challenges
The Vice-Admiral also expressed concern over recent military cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He noted that the meeting between Pakistani Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and his Bangladeshi counterpart, M Nazmul Hassan, for bolstering bilateral defence ties could pose new challenges for India. The Indian Navy, he assured, is closely monitoring these developments, with the Eastern Naval Command as the first responder.
Addressing a tragic domestic incident, Swaminathan provided an update on the December 2024 accident where a naval speedboat collided with the passenger ferry Neel Kamal near Mumbai, killing 13, including a naval officer. The Board of Inquiry (BOI) report has been submitted to headquarters, but the definitive cause of the accident is still under determination. "It was an unfortunate accident and we have implemented a couple of things while conducting patrols and sea trials to minimise the risk," he stated.
Combating Maritime Threats and Global Cooperation
Highlighting the Navy's broader security role, Swaminathan outlined steps to counter non-traditional threats like maritime terrorism, piracy, and illicit trafficking. The efforts have yielded significant results:
- 41 anti-piracy deployments in the last two years.
- Rescue of over 180 personnel and thwarting of 8 piracy attacks.
- Interception of 62 pirates.
- Safe passage for more than 125 million metric tonnes of cargo.
In a major anti-narcotics operation since February 2024, the Navy seized 700 kg of drugs worth an estimated Rs 40,000 crore. Furthermore, India's active membership in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) since 2023 has seen its ships participate in 10 missions and aircraft fly over 20 sorties as part of this international coalition.
Vice Admiral Swaminathan emphasized that a key outcome of Operation Sindoor has been the enhanced jointness and integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, strengthening India's overall defensive and offensive capabilities.
