INS Vikrant-led 36-ship armada was in position to hit Karachi: Sources

In a strong show of force, the Indian Navy recently deployed 36 major warships and submarines near Karachi under "Operation Sindoor", according to sources. This large-scale movement is seen as a sharp rise in India's naval preparedness, especially compared to the 1971 war, when only six ships were sent near Karachi.
The move came after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed. In response, India began a three-way strategy to pressure Pakistan. The Indian Navy was placed on high alert, which led Pakistan to issue warnings for its coastal waters, fearing a possible strike.
At the center of the deployment was INS Vikrant, India's aircraft carrier, supported by 8 to 10 warships. This was one of the Indian Navy's biggest real-time deployments outside of regular training missions.
The fleet included seven destroyers armed with BrahMos missiles, air defense systems, and torpedoes. Alongside them were seven stealth frigates, including the latest INS Tushil. Around six submarines were also active, adding hidden strength beneath the sea. Fast attack crafts and missile boats also joined, pushing the total to 36 naval assets more than the entire Pakistan Navy, which has fewer than 30 warships.