Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Visits INS Vikrant After Key Role in Operation Sindoor

Arabian Sea / Mumbai, May 30: In a significant show of appreciation and strategic oversight, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Indian Navy’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in the Arabian Sea on Friday. The visit comes just weeks after Operation Sindoor, during which INS Vikrant played a pivotal role in India’s military response to Pakistan.

During the visit, Rajnath Singh interacted with Navy personnel onboard the warship, commending their service and operational readiness. A striking image of the Defence Minister posing with Indian Navy sailors against the backdrop of MiG-29K fighter jets stationed on the carrier’s deck surfaced online, symbolising the might and morale of India’s naval forces.

Commissioned in September 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, INS Vikrant is India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier, constructed at a cost of approximately ₹20,000 crore. It was designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) of the Indian Navy and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, marking a major milestone in India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The aircraft carrier played a critical role in Operation Sindoor, India’s covert military strike launched during the night of May 6 and 7, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). As per reports, around 150 terrorists were neutralised in the operation. INS Vikrant’s deployment ensured air superiority and sea control in the Arabian Sea, deterring any Pakistani naval countermeasures.

Following the Indian strikes, Pakistan attempted retaliatory actions targeting Indian military and civilian installations. However, these attempts were effectively thwarted by India’s integrated air defence systems. The situation escalated on May 10, when India retaliated by striking several Pakistani air bases, causing substantial damage. The strikes prompted Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to contact his Indian counterpart and request a ceasefire, signalling a de-escalation after India’s decisive show of strength.

During an earlier press briefing, Vice Admiral Pramod, representing the DGMO, confirmed that Pakistan’s Karachi was considered a target option during the operations, underscoring the strategic reach of India’s naval power.

Defence Minister Singh’s visit underscores the government’s focus on strengthening maritime security and honouring the armed forces’ contributions to national defence. Addressing the sailors, Singh praised their bravery and emphasised the Navy’s growing role in securing India's maritime interests in an increasingly volatile region.