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Another faceoff? India, Pakistan navies to hold drills in Arabian Sea at same time; weeks after military escalation

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NEW DELHI: Indian Navy warships are scheduled to carry out naval drills in the Arabian Sea on August 11 and 12, defence sources confirmed on Sunday.

Around the same time, the Pakistan Navy has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing its own naval exercises in its territorial waters.

The simultaneous drills reflect ongoing military activities in the strategically important Arabian Sea region, which is crucial for maritime security and regional stability.


Defence officials have not indicated any direct coordination between the two navies for these exercises.


Also read: Pak navy chief's alarming statement as Islamabad fears Indian naval strike

Operation Sindoor and Modi’s strategic restraint
The drills come months after a tense military standoff in May when Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed Operation Sindoor with India’s top commanders.

As per media reports, PM Modi reportedly told navy chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, “Humne aapke mooh se niwala cheen liya, aapko mauka phir milega” -- indicating the Navy’s planned strike on Karachi was called off at the last moment. Despite concerns about possible Pakistani retaliation, Modi gave full operational autonomy to the services.

Diverse command styles during the May operations
The military leadership displayed varied strengths: Air chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, known for his daring as a test pilot; Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, a troop-focused leader; and Admiral Tripathi, a strong advocate for naval offensive action. This blend helped execute coordinated strikes while balancing strategic caution.

Key air and ground strikes against Pakistan
Between May 7 and 10, the Indian Air Force targeted critical Pakistani military assets, destroying fighter aircraft, radar systems, and airborne early warning platforms.

The Army’s deployment of advanced artillery and loitering munitions forced Pakistani troops to retreat along the Line of Control.

Concurrently, the Navy’s mobilisation pushed Pakistani vessels into shelter at Gwadar port.

Aerial interception and final missile strike
A significant engagement saw an Indian S-400 missile intercept a Pakistani Saab AEW&C aircraft deep inside Pakistan, severely impacting its surveillance capability.

The conflict’s last strike was a BrahMos missile attack on the Bholari airbase on May 10, marking India’s successful mission completion.
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