‘The sea is becoming the first arena for signaling strategic intent and engaging in combat’: Navy Chief Admiral
Maharashtra: Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, referring to the recent West Asia conflict, said that the seas are no longer a secondary theater, but are becoming the first area where strategic intent is signaled and questioned. The CNS also praised the Indian Navy’s preparedness during Operation Sindoor and reiterated that Pakistan was about to attack minutes before requesting a ceasefire.
On Wednesday, Admiral Tripathi presented Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards to Indian Navy personnel on behalf of the President of India at the Naval Institution Ceremony in Mumbai. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized that increasing fragmentation and friction are being recognized in the global order. He said, “In such an environment, the seas are no longer a secondary arena where continental conflicts are spread, but are becoming the first area where strategic intent is signaled and debated, often with varying results.” He further stated that since the beginning of the conflict, more than 23 ships have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, and approximately 1,900 ships are stranded as daily traffic has dropped to six or seven transits compared to the previous average of 130. He further stated, “Changing technology and tactics have not only altered the way conflicts are planned, initiated, and sustained, but have also made non-traditional challenges more difficult and less predictable to counter.”
The Navy was just minutes away from striking Pakistan before the ceasefire request.
He also recalled Operation Sindoor, saying, “It demonstrated our Navy’s excellent preparedness and determination, as our units deployed rapidly and maintained a highly aggressive position throughout. It is no secret now that when Pakistan requested a halt to kinetic action, we were just minutes away from striking.”
At the Investiture Ceremony, the Chief of Naval Staff presented approximately 55 awards to honour and recognise the bravery, leadership, professional achievement and distinguished service of naval personnel and units. Two Yudh Seva Medals, 12 Nao Sena Medals for Gallantry, eight Nao Sena Medals for Devotion to Duty and 18 Vishisht Seva Medals were presented at the ceremony.
