New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Amid lingering tensions, the navies of India and Pakistan will launch separate war exercises in the Arabian Sea from Monday, running for several days. Both countries have issued Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for designated maritime zones, though specifics about the vessels involved remain under wraps.
Defence officials told ANI that the Indian Navy’s exercises will take place on August 11–12, marking the first major show of strength since Operation Sindoor in May, when Indian forces struck nine terror hubs in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing over 100 militants. Despite a ceasefire signed on May 10, relations have stayed tense.
Following those strikes, the Indian Navy kept its fleet on high alert, conducting anti-ship and anti-aircraft drills, and deploying the INS Surat for the first time at Hazira Port. The Coast Guard in Gujarat was also placed on standby.
India’s naval build-up has continued with successful missile trials in April, and the country is preparing to induct two advanced stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri (F35) and INS Himgiri (F34), on August 26, a first for simultaneous commissioning from two shipyards.
