Operation Sindoor is ongoing, and the Indian Navy is monitoring each and every ship operating in the Indian Ocean region, well aware of their intentions and movements, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan said on Friday.
The Vice Chief of Naval Staff said that the Indian Ocean is experiencing the presence of extra-regional power, but none of the vessels can escape the ever-vigilant eyes of the Indian Navy. "There is a continuous presence of extra-regional powers in the Indian Ocean region due to the ongoing situation. It has always been that and it's only increasing," he said.
"At any given point of time, we have a minimum of 40, but going even beyond 50-odd ships that are operating in the Indian Ocean region, and just to assure all of you, we are monitoring each and every one of them. We are aware of what they're doing, what they're likely to do, when they come in, when they go out, etc.," Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan added. He was addressing the media regarding the International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam scheduled in February 2026.
Vice Admiral Vatsyayan acknowledged that challenges certainly exist in the Indian Ocean, which remains the main route for global trade and oil transport. These include both traditional and non-traditional threats—such as piracy, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. “We are fully aware of all these issues and are ready to deal with any situation,” he stated. In a strong message to adversaries, he added that Operation Sindoor is still on and will continue in the future in the form of the Navy's plans and exercises.
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"Operation Sindoor is still on. The message to be conveyed with our ongoing exercises with foreign countries is that our plans are in place without any hindrance. We are ready and deployed as part of Operation Sindoor at present and in the future. It is ongoing, and we are also going forward with our military plans. That is a very simple message that we are looking at," he said.
The Vice Admiral used the opportunity to speak about the inductments awaiting the naval forces, elaborating on the additions set to join the Navy. He confirmed that this year, 10 ships and one submarine have already been inducted, with four more ships expected to be delivered before the end of December. He further stated that 19 vessels are likely to be inducted next year, with most expected to be commissioned by December, and an additional 13 ships are anticipated for delivery to the Indian Navy the year after next.