Highlights:
India’s Navy Chief, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, said that the Indian Navy was just minutes away from launching a major strike against Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. He made this statement on Wednesday (1) while speaking at a naval ceremony in Mumbai.
According to Admiral Tripathi, the Navy had reached a very advanced stage of readiness and was fully prepared to carry out a maritime attack. However, the strike was stopped after Pakistan requested India to halt military actions.
“It is not a hidden fact anymore that we were just minutes away from striking Pakistan from the sea when they requested a stoppage of kinetic actions,” he said. His comments give new insight into how close the situation came to further escalation during the operation.
Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, 2025. It was a response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, most of them tourists. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).
Admiral Tripathi explained that all branches of the Indian military were highly prepared during the operation. The Navy, in particular, had positioned itself strongly in the Arabian Sea, ready to strike if needed. He said this level of readiness showed the strength and capability of India’s maritime forces.
The Navy Chief also spoke about the overall impact of the operation. He said that the actions taken during Operation Sindoor increased public trust in the armed forces. According to him, the Navy demonstrated both its power and its ability to respond quickly in times of crisis.
During the ceremony, Admiral Tripathi awarded Yudh Seva Medals to two senior naval officers for their important roles in the operation. He praised their efforts and leadership during a critical time.
He also mentioned a special event where India’s Prime Minister joined the Navy for a 17-hour overnight journey along the western coast. This mission, he said, showcased the Navy’s operational strength and readiness. It highlighted how well the Navy can perform extended missions and maintain a strong presence at sea.
Meanwhile, there has been international attention on how the conflict ended. Donald Trump has claimed multiple times that the United States helped stop the conflict between India and Pakistan. However, India has denied this claim.
Indian officials have stated that the ceasefire was achieved through direct communication between the two countries. Specifically, the agreement to stop military actions was reached through talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both sides.
Overall, Admiral Tripathi’s remarks show how serious the situation was during Operation Sindoor. The Indian Navy was fully ready to act, and only a last-minute request prevented a possible sea strike. His statement highlights both the high level of military preparedness and the importance of diplomatic communication in avoiding further escalation.
