1971 War Hero INS Vikrant Deployed in Arabian Sea Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions: Get Defence Expert View

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Navy has deployed its first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, near the Karwar coast in the Arabian Sea as per reports. This deployment follows the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians and heightened concerns about cross-border terrorism and security. Satellite imagery, accessed by defense analysts, has confirmed that INS Vikrant left port and is currently patrolling near the Karwar coast in Karnataka.

Satellite images from April 25, 2025, show INS Vikrant accompanied by a powerful strike group, including a destroyer, frigate, anti-submarine warship, and other support vessels. This coordinated group's positioning near the western seaboard of India signals a shift in naval strategy, with New Delhi increasing its naval presence to assert dominance in the region, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions with Pakistan. The deployment also comes as Pakistan is reportedly preparing for a missile test in the Arabian Sea, raising concerns about further escalation.

Why INS Vikrant's Deployment is Crucial? INS Vikrant's Strength

INS Vikrant is not just an aircraft carrier, it is a symbol of India's growing naval capabilities and self-reliance in defense technology. With a displacement of 45,000 tons, a length of 262 meters, and a width of 59 meters, INS Vikrant is a formidable asset.

Powered by General Electric turbines providing 1.10 lakh horsepower, it is capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets and Ka-31 helicopters, and is equipped with advanced systems such as 64 Barak missiles and the deadly Brahmos missile system.

India-Pakistan Tension: An Expert View on India's Military Action

Speaking to GoodReturns on India's military posture following the Pahalgam terror attack, defence expert Lt Col JS Sodhi (Retd) supported the Indian government's decision. However, he cautioned against expectations of an immediate offensive. "India has done the correct thing by the tough military posturing it has taken in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. But it is unlikely to result in any immediate surgical strike on any Pakistani military installation, as doing so will result in an escalation to a full-fledged war," Lt Col Sodhi said.

Highlighting current operational limitations, he said, "At this stage, the Indian Army has a shortage of over 1 lakh soldiers, and the Indian Air Force has only 29.5 squadrons of fighter aircraft against an authorised 42."

He further pointed to the possibility of China aligning with Pakistan, raising the spectre of a two-front war. "India will definitely strike militarily, but not immediately-at least not until deficiencies in manpower and equipment in the armed forces are addressed," he said.

INS Vikrant, A Critical Threat to Pakistan?

INS Vikrant is very important if there is any conflict with Pakistan. It has a strike range of 1,500 km, which means it can easily reach important places in Pakistan like Karachi and Gwadar ports. These ports are major trade routes for Pakistan. Experts say Vikrant's presence in the Arabian Sea can badly affect Pakistan's navy and stop its trade and military supplies.

If a war breaks out, INS Vikrant can play a big role. It has modern weapons and defence systems. The entire carrier group can carry out different kinds of operations, from air attacks to surface and underwater missions. The MiG-29K fighter jets on Vikrant can hit important airbases in Pakistan like Masroor and Sargodha. Its missile systems can destroy enemy ships, submarines, and other naval targets.

Defence experts believe Vikrant can block Pakistan's main ports, Karachi and Gwadar which could cut off up to 60% of Pakistan's trade by sea. Also, its fighter jets, which can fly up to 850 km in one go, can strike important military spots in Pakistan. This could weaken Pakistan's ability to fight back.

According to a former naval officer, "INS Vikrant is a game-changer in the region. Pakistan's Navy is significantly outclassed by the capabilities of Vikrant, especially in terms of long-range strikes, precision missile systems, and aircraft deployment. The presence of Vikrant off Pakistan's coast would significantly alter the strategic balance in the region."

"INS Vikrant can target Pakistan's maritime trade and military infrastructure with precision, causing serious damage. The aircraft carrier's ability to disrupt operations at critical ports like Karachi and Gwadar would severely impact Pakistan's economy and military logistics," he highlighted.

Historic Legacy of INS Vikrant in 1971 War

The deployment of INS Vikrant also carries significant historical legacy. Named after its predecessor, which played a crucial role during the 1971 war against Pakistan, the new INS Vikrant is a testament to India's evolving naval capabilities. The first INS Vikrant played a key role in the 1971 war by helping to destroy Pakistan's naval forces and blocking supplies to East Pakistan.