Operation Talwar: The Beginning
The Indian Navy first transferred its annual exercise from the eastern coast to the western coast. Warships stationed in its eastern fleet were sent to the Arabian Sea, marking the start of Operation Talwar.
Role of the Indian Navy in the Kargil War
25 years ago, during the Kargil War, the Indian Army and Air Force played significant roles. However, few people know that the Indian Navy also participated. The Navy launched Operation Talwar, pushing Pakistan out of the Arabian Sea. Although the Navy did not fight in Kargil directly, a brave officer flew a helicopter at an altitude of 26,400 feet. The then Army Chief General VP Malik praised and honored him for his courage.
Activation of the Pakistani Navy
Military power rests on three principles: land, sea, and air. The Air Force can launch operations the fastest, followed by the Navy. Naval missions are continuous, requiring some Navy ships to always be at sea. During the Kargil War, the Pakistani Navy became active, increasing its activities in the Arabian Sea. As the operation in Kargil intensified, so did the Navy's activities at sea.
The Indian Navy conducted aggressive patrolling, at one point having over 30 ships just 13 nautical miles (24 kilometers) off the Karachi port, barely 2 kilometers from Pakistan's territorial waters.
Deployment of Warships to the Arabian Sea
While the nation, media, and international community focused on Kargil, the Navy was busy with its tasks. It transferred its annual exercise from the eastern to the western coast, sending warships to the Arabian Sea, thus beginning Operation Talwar. The Navy blocked all supply lines in the Arabian Sea to cut off Pakistan's supplies from Arab countries. At that time, Lt. Commander (now Captain) Utpal Dutta was the only Navy officer actively participating in Operation Vijay.
Flying Chetak and Cheetah Helicopters
Captain Utpal Dutta, currently stationed at the Naval Aviation Headquarters in Goa, flew helicopters during the Kargil War. From June 4 to July 22, 1999, he helped transport the wounded to a temporary hospital in Ghumri and supplied logistics and ammunition. This was Captain Dutta's first war. He flew Chetak and Cheetah helicopters and conducted a reconnaissance flight with then Army Chief General VP Malik in the Dras area.
Observation Post Duty and Military Guns Assistance
Captain Utpal Dutta, awarded the Navy Medal, previously told Amar Ujala how his squadron was tasked with evacuating seriously injured personnel and providing water, supplies, and ammunition to soldiers. Under Army command, Captain Dutta flew the Cheetah at 26,400 feet, performing observation post duties, aiding Bofors guns in targeting enemy positions. He noted that no one had previously seen a helicopter flying at such a height in enemy territory.
COAS Commendation and Navy Medal
During the Kargil War, Captain Dutta transported wounded soldiers to a temporary hospital in Ghumri, from where they were taken to Srinagar by MI-17 helicopters. Since night flights were not allowed, they awaited the first light of day to resume flying. With limited sleep and constant shelling, there was no time to think of anything else. Helicopters were the only lifeline for over 130 kilometers of war zones near the Line of Control in Dras and Kargil. For his bravery, Captain Utpal Dutta received the Chief of Army Staff Commendation and the Navy Medal.
Pakistani Navy Blockade
Operation Talwar saw fully armed Navy ships, submarines, and aircraft deployed. The Navy also focused on locating enemy warships and submarines. Maritime reconnaissance aircraft played a significant role, safeguarding merchant ships while monitoring enemy movements. As the Indian Navy prepared for a naval blockade, the Pakistani Navy began reconnaissance sorties to identify Indian naval positions. Realizing the potential consequences of any misadventure, Pakistan became defensive.
Failed Chinese Missile Spare Parts Shipment
The Pakistani Navy became fully defensive, ordering remaining warships in Karachi to avoid leaving the port to evade Indian ships, marking a psychological victory for India. When China attempted to supply weapons to Pakistan, the Indian Navy intercepted a North Korean cargo ship carrying missile spare parts. With INS Viraat under repair, the Navy tested Sea Harrier fighter aircraft from container ships. Navy electronic warfare aircraft supported air operations along the Line of Control, with special hydrographic survey teams aiding the Army's artillery units in locating enemy gun positions.
Pakistan Cornered
While the Indian Navy didn't engage directly in Kargil, Operation Talwar significantly hampered Pakistan's maritime capabilities. The de facto "blockade-like situation" and reliance on maritime imports left Pakistan cornered. The Indian Navy was ready to open maritime fronts, but Pakistan recognized the gravity of the situation.
Later, Nawaz Sharif admitted that if a full-scale war had broken out with India, Pakistan would have had only six days of fuel left.
Tags: Celebration, Operation Talwar, Kargil War, Indian Navy, Captain Utpal Dutta,
Tags: Celebration, Operation Talwar, Kargil War, Indian Navy, Captain Utpal Dutta,
Pakistani Navy Blockade,