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How India Protected INS Vikrant from Pakistani Attack in 1971? | TDG Explainer

May 9, 2025, 12:58 pm

On April 22, a terror attack in the Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, killed 26 civilians. The victims were predominantly Hindus, with one Christian and a local Muslim. Terrorists with M4 carbines and AK-47 rifles entered the tourist spot lined with thick pine forests. This is now the worst attack on civilians in India after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

India retaliated with Operation Sindoor, hitting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with precision strikes. These attacks were a major retaliation against the perpetrators and were intended to destroy terror infrastructure on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC).

In reprisal for India’s cross-border raids, Pakistan hit 15 western Indian cities on consecutive nights. India replied with drone and missile strikes, managing to take out a crucial Pakistani air defence network in Lahore. On Thursday night, Pakistan replied by striking Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur with drones. India has now set its sights on Islamabad, after it had attacked Lahore and Karachi in a dramatic buildup.

India’s S-400 air defence systems shot down eight missiles and a number of drones in Jammu’s sensitive areas. Two kamikaze drones were shot down in Poonch, although one did hit Jammu Airport. The continued escalation has left both the countries in a state of panic and for complete involvement of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Last time a situation like this occured was during the Indo-Pak war in 1971.

A Master Plan, A Decoy

Pakistan’s most powerful submarine, PNS Ghazi, a long-distance submarine leased originally from the United States, had a high-priority mission. It was to find and destroy INS Vikrant, India’s sole aircraft carrier then. Vikrant was an aircraft carrier-cum-float fortress, bestowing India with invaluable air domination of the oceans. On 14 November 1971, Ghazi sailed from Karachi for a clandestine 4,800-kilometre course towards the east coast, in the vicinity of Visakhapatnam.

However, Indian intelligence had already picked up on Ghazi’s movements. To outwit the submarine, the Indian Navy launched a clever counter-strategy. INS Rajput, a World War II destroyer with Lieutenant Commander Inder Singh at the helm, was sent in as a decoy. INS Rajput carried imitation communication signals to masquerade as INS Vikrant to lure Ghazi into a trap. The true Vikrant continued to remain at a safe location near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the meantime.

Pakistani commanders were duped by this ruse and believed INS Vikrant was sitting at the Visakhapatnam port. On the basis of this false assumption, Ghazi began the monitoring near the port. When INS Rajput was approaching on December 3–4, 1971, Ghazi fired depth charges into the sea. This was succeeded by a tremendous underwater explosion. Ghazi went down, and all 93 on board died. The submarine wreckage was a harsh blow to Pakistan’s naval ambitions, and it gave India one of its most historic victories at sea.

Operations Trident and Python

India’s maritime supremacy was further reinforced by Operation Trident on 4 December 1971, when Indian missile craft struck Karachi harbour. They destroyed PNS Muhafiz, PNS Khaibar, and MV Venus Challenger, and damaged the destroyer PNS Shah Jahan. Kemari oil tanks were also targeted, paralysing fuel supply to the Pakistani military.

Operation Python followed on December 8–9. Indian vessels INS Vinash, INS Talwar, and INS Trishul attacked once more, sinking merchant ships and destroying the Pakistani fleet tanker PNS Dacca. The operations destroyed over half of Karachi’s fuel storage and left a dent in Pakistan’s naval logistics.

PNS Ghazi Wreck Found After 50 Years

In February 2024, more than half a century after, the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle of the Indian Navy located the wreck of PNS Ghazi at a depth of approximately 100 metres, 2.5 km off Visakhapatnam. Although the reason for its sinking continues to be contested, the location of the wreck upholds Indian claims of having sunk it off the eastern coast.

Regardless of this discovery, the wreckage remained untouched as a gesture of respect to the victims. The 1971 conflict had ended in victory for India with full mastery of the sea, imposing a half-blockade on Karachi harbour and disabling Pakistani naval forces.

France, India Seal ₹63,887 Crore Rafale Deal Amid Indo-Pak Tensions

April 26, 2025, 3:28 pm

India will sign a ₹63,887 crore (Euro 6.6 billion) contract with France for the purchase of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets on Monday. The aircraft will be based primarily on INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously constructed aircraft carrier. This is even as the French Defence Minister called off his India visit following a terror attack in Pahalgam that triggered new Indo-Pakistan tensions.

France and India’s top defence officials will sign the deal in New Delhi. The defence minister and his Indian counterpart will sign it through video conferencing. The deal is a major boost for India’s naval aviation and Indo-Pacific security footprint.

?India nd France to sign their largest ever deal worth Rs 63,000 crore for Rafale-Marine fighter jets on April 28. pic.twitter.com/wlF1qEdguD

— Indian Infra Report (@Indianinfoguide) April 20, 2025

French Defence Minister Cancels India Visit Amid Indo-Pak Tensions

Defence Minister of France Sebastien Lecornu was originally scheduled to fly to India for the ceremony. He canceled the trip following the fatal Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.

India accused Pakistan-based terrorists of the attack and accused cross-border assistance. Nevertheless, the Marine Rafale deal goes on, highlighting both nations’ dedication to defence cooperation.

What the ₹63,887 Crore Rafale-Marine Deal Includes ?

The deal is for 22 single-seater Rafale-M aircraft and four twin-seater trainers. It also includes sophisticated weapons, simulators, crew training programs, maintenance support, and five-year performance-based logistics.

In addition, it includes spares and support equipment for the 36 Rafale aircraft already flown by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The cost is high due to India’s focus on operational readiness, state-of-the-art capabilities, and extended support.

Rafale-M Jets to Bolster INS Vikrant’s Air Wing

The Rafale-M jets will primarily operate from INS Vikrant. This will boost India’s carrier-based air power in a region increasingly dominated by Chinese maritime influence. India’s push to modernize its navy aligns with its broader strategy of keeping the Indo-Pacific open, free, and stable.

The IAF currently operates 36 Rafale jets in Ambala in Haryana and Hashimara in West Bengal. The naval variant of the Rafale will now add another dimension to India’s aerial and maritime prowess.

India’s Biggest Defence Deal So Far

The Rafale deal with the Marine is India’s biggest defence purchase in history. It beats the ₹59,000 crore 2016 contract for 36 Rafale aircraft for the Air Force. The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the deal on April 9.

The large procurement marks India’s emphasis on enhancing naval strength at a time when regional maritime competition is increasing.

Sharpened Naval Focus Amid Indo-Pacific Competition

The Rafale-M purchase clearly indicates India’s intensified naval thrust. With China strengthening its presence within the Indo-Pacific and cross-border terror threats on the increase, India is placing a big bet on carrier-based fighter power.

INS Vikrant, which will accommodate the new Rafale-M fleet, will make the Indian navy even more influential in determining security dynamics across the region.

INS Vikrant Deployed in Arabian Sea After Pahalgam Attack as Pakistan Plans Missile Test

April 24, 2025, 8:48 pm

In a swift reaction to the recent terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India has sent its homegrown aircraft carrier INS Vikrant to the Arabian Sea. The deployment comes at a time of growing tensions with Pakistan, which is gearing up for a missile test in the same area, raising fears of additional military conflict.

Satellite Imagery Confirms Deployment

Satellite imagery accessed by defense analysts confirms that INS Vikrant has left port and is currently patrolling near the Karwar coast in Karnataka. The deployment aligns with New Delhi’s efforts to ramp up naval presence in the western seaboard following the deadly strike in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 civilians India’s worst such attack in nearly two decades.

The Indian government has officially blamed Pakistan-based militants for the attack, asserting that top-level security cabinet meetings revealed cross-border connections. In retaliation, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, directed the shutdown of the primary border checkpost, cancelled special visa provisions, and ousted Pakistani military advisers from its high commission in New Delhi.

INS Vikrant Part of Strategic Naval Response

Defense sources say the INS Vikrant movement is part of a measured response strategy to keep a heightened alertness at sea, particularly as Pakistan prepares for a missile test in the Arabian Sea. “We are keeping a close eye on developments. The security of our territorial integrity and civilian lives is of utmost importance,” a senior Indian Navy official stated.

Pakistan has released maritime advisories indicating a missile test within the next few days, though the exact system involved is not revealed. The alert has caused regional shipping authorities to issue warning directives with the fear of disruptions.

INS Vikrant: A Symbol of India’s Maritime Strength

India commissioned INS Vikrant in 2022 as its first indigenously built aircraft carrier, capable of carrying 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets and naval helicopters. Its deployment signifies India’s growing maritime strength and serves as a visible demonstration of preparedness in the region.

Top military commanders to discuss operations, jointness on board INS Vikrant aircraft carrier in Arabian Sea

March 1, 2023, 1:28 pm

In a bid to promote Make In India defense systems, the Indian Navy is going to hold its senior commanders’ conference on board the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Goa. The decision is also in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directives to organize major events outside Delhi after which Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and the naval headquarters decided to hold it on board the new aircraft carrier on March 6. The conference would see the participation of top naval brass along with the Defense Minister, Chief of Defense Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral SN Ghormade and other top tri-services officials

341 women inducted as sailors, says Navy Chief

December 3, 2022, 3:54 pm

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar on Saturday informed that in the navy 341 out of 3,000 Agniveer inducted are women as a sailor. The training of women sailors will be the same as men.

“First batch of agniveers already reported, about 3000 agniveers have joined out of whom about 341 are women. Come next year, we are looking at women officers being inducted across all branches and not just the 7-8 branches they are restricted to as of today,” the Navy chief said.

Meanwhile, Admiral R. Hari Kumar further said, “It’s the first time women are being inducted into the ranks. We are not inducting women separately. They are being inducted in the same manner as their male counterparts. It’s a uniform method of selection. They undergo similar tests.”

Earlier, Navy Chief said they are looking to become a gender-neutral force that looks at the capability of the individual.

“They’ll be deployed on ships, airbases, aircraft. They will be trained for everything the way a normal sailor is trained. There is going to be no difference in training. We’re looking at being a gender-neutral force where we only look at the capability of the individual,” the Navy chief stated.

Moreover, in the last year Navy had a very intense and engaging time, said Admiral Hari Kumar. The INS Vikrant was a landmark event for India.

Delhi: French Defense Minister Lecornu accorded Guard of Honor

November 28, 2022, 3:31 pm

The Guard of Honor was accorded to French Minister for the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu in New Delhi on Monday. French Minister Lecornu was received by his Indian counterpart in the national capital.

Earlier in the morning French Minister for the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu has begun the Delhi leg of his visit and on Monday laid a wreath at National War Memorial.

Taking to Twitter French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain tweeted, “As he begins the #Delhi leg of his visit, French Minister for the Armed Forces @SebLecornu lays a wreath and pays tribute to India’s valiant soldiers at #NationalWarMemorial.”

Meanwhile, with the Minister of Armed Forces of the French Republic, the 4th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue will be co-chair by Union Minister Rajnath Singh.

Moreover, the French Minister Lecornu will also meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Defence Ministry stated.

The French Minister Lecornu also visited Headquarters Southern Naval Command at Kochi to see India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

“In #Kochi, French Min @SebLecornu visits #IACVikrant. He praised India on joining the club of nations capable of building aircraft carriers & highlighted the central role of France-India naval cooperation in France’s strategy for the #IndoPacific,” envoy Lenain tweeted.

However, India and France share a friendly relationship and the two countries entered into Strategic Partnership in 1998.

Furthermore, both countries are partners in defense and armaments, strategic autonomy in the defense sector, and many more.

French Defence Minister Lecornu visited National War Memorial

November 28, 2022, 2:13 pm

French Minister for the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu has begun the Delhi leg of his visit and on Monday laid a wreath at National War Memorial.

Meanwhile, with the Minister of Armed Forces of the French Republic, the 4th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue will be co-chair by Union Minister Rajnath Singh.

In presence of the Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh Lecornu will inspect the tri-service guard of honor.

Moreover, the French Minister Lecornu will also meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Defence Ministry stated.

The French Minister Lecornu also visited Headquarters Southern Naval Command at Kochi to see India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

However, India and France share a friendly relationship and the two countries entered into Strategic Partnership in 1998.

Furthermore, both countries are partners in defense and armaments, strategic autonomy in the defense sector, and many more.

PM Modi shares commissioning of INS Vikrant video, saying “A historic day of India!”

September 3, 2022, 3:43 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video of the commissioning of INS Vikrant and said he can’t express the feeling of pride in words.

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kochi commissioned the first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard Limited.

Taking to Twitter PM Modi shared the video and said, “A historic day of India! The feeling of pride when I was abroad INS Vikrant yesterday cannot be expressed in words.”

A historic day for India!

Words will not be able to describe the feeling of pride when I was on board INS Vikrant yesterday. pic.twitter.com/vBRCl308C9
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 3, 2022

PM Modi on Friday while commissioning INS Vikrant PM termed the event a “tribute”.

“Today, here on the coast of Kerala, every Indian is witnessing the sunrise of a new future. This event held on INS Vikrant is a tribute to India’s rising spirits on the world horizon,” Prime Minister Modi said.

“Vikrant is huge and special. Vikrant is not just a warship. This is a testimony to the hard work, talent, influence, and commitment of 21st century India,” PM Modi said.

Meanwhile, Vikrant is the largest ship ever built in the maritime history of India which is designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, a Public Sector Shipyard under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

The aircraft is named after India’s first aircraft carrier which played an important role in the 1971 war. It consists of indigenous equipment and machinery and 100 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Moreover, at the cost of Rs 20,000 crore, INS Vikrant has been built and completed its sea trials last month. The ship consists of 2,300 compartments and has a capacity of around 1700 people.

Earlier in 2009, its keel was laid and the ship has a speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots. It is 262 meters long, 62 meters wide and 59 meters height.

However, commissioning India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier signifies the country’s confidence. It also portrays that India can build their aircraft carriers.

PM hails INS Vikrant, calls a ‘historic day’

September 3, 2022, 1:13 pm

In a tweet on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the commissioning of the first aircraft carrier built in India, the INS Vikrant, as a “historic day” for the nation. Modi launched the 262-meter-long Vikrant at Kerala’s Cochin Shipyard, and the prime minister thereafter had a tour of the warship.

Taking to Twitter, the PM said, “A historic day for India! Words will not be able to describe the feeling of pride when I was on board INS Vikrant yesterday.”

“Vikrant is not only a warship; it is evidence of the hard work, talent, impact, and devotion of India in the 21st century,” Modi said during the ceremony, describing Vikrant as “big, majestic, distinct, and special.”

A historic day for India!

Words will not be able to describe the feeling of pride when I was on board INS Vikrant yesterday. pic.twitter.com/vBRCl308C9
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 3, 2022

“Today, India joins the countries that build such large aircraft carriers with indigenous technology. Today, INS Vikrant has filled India with a new trust.”

According to the Navy, Vikrant, the largest ship ever built in India, is the size of two football fields. It contains modern features and was built for 20,000 crore.

The vessel was named after its legendary predecessor, India’s first aircraft carrier, which was instrumental in the war of 1971.

The new Vikrant contains a sizable amount of made-in-India gear and equipment, which was produced by large national industrial companies and more than 100 MSMEs.

INS Vikrant a collective effort of all government since 1999, says Jairam Ramesh

September 2, 2022, 5:55 pm

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday said since 1999 INS Vikrant is the collective effort of all governments.

Congress leader further stated in getting INS Vikrant from the UK former defense minister Krishna Menon played a key role.

Taking to Twitter Jairam Ramesh tweeted, “India’s 1st indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant commissioned today is a collective effort of all govts since 1999. Will PM acknowledge? Let’s also recall the original INS Vikrant that served us well in the 1971 war. Much reviled Krishna Menon played a key role in getting it from the UK.”

Earlier in the day, PM Narendra Modi in Kochi commissioned the first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard Limited.

“Vikrant is huge and special. Vikrant is not just a warship. This is a testimony to the hard work, talent, influence, and commitment of 21st century India.”

Moreover, at the cost of Rs 20,000 crore, INS Vikrant has been built and completed its sea trials last month. The ship consists of 2,300 compartments and has a capacity of around 1700 people.

Earlier in 2009, its keel was laid and the ship has a speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots. It is 262 meters long, 62 meters wide and 59 meters height.

However, commissioning India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier signifies the country’s confidence. It also portrays that India can build their aircraft carriers.

PM Modi commissions India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant

September 2, 2022, 1:33 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kochi commissioned the first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard Limited on Friday.

PM Modi on Friday while commissioning INS Vikrant PM termed the event a “tribute”.

“Vikrant is huge and special. Vikrant is not just a warship. This is a testimony to the hard work, talent, influence, and commitment of 21st century India,” PM Modi said.

Moreover, at the cost of Rs 20,000 crore, INS Vikrant has been built and completed its sea trials last month. The ship consists of 2,300 compartments and has a capacity of around 1700 people.

Earlier in 2009, its keel was laid and the ship has a speed of 28 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots. It is 262 meters long, 62 meters wide and 59 meters height.

However, commissioning India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier signifies the country’s confidence. It also portrays that India can build their aircraft carriers.

Bombay High Court grants anticipatory bail to BJP leader Kirit Somaiya in INS Vikrant case

August 10, 2022, 2:08 pm

Bombay High Court granted anticipatory bail to BJP leader Kirit Somaiya and his son Neil Somaiya on Wednesday. The court granted bail in the alleged misproportion of funds case related to INS Vikrant.

Informing the court Mumbai police said they could not get any proof against Somaiya in the case yet.

Meanwhile, a case was registered against them under IPC Sections 420 (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 406 (Punishment for criminal breach of trust), and 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention). The case was registered at the Trombay Police station in Mumbai for INS Vikrant’s financial bungling.

A majestic-class aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, INS Vikrant was commissioned in 1961. During the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971, the aircraft played a key role in enforcing the naval blockade of East Pakistan. The aircraft was decommissioned in 1997.

However, in January 2014, through an online auction, the ship was sold and scrapped in November 2021.