Amid rising tensions between Pakistan and India, the Pakistan Navy’s strategic operations have reportedly compelled the Indian Navy to withdraw its aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, from the northern Arabian Sea citing security sources.
India had deployed the INS Vikrant to the region on April 23, in what appeared to be a show of strength amid escalating regional tensions. However, persistent and effective surveillance and patrolling by the Pakistan Navy prompted the Indian carrier group to retreat after just a few days at sea.
Satellite imagery has since confirmed that the Vikrant has returned to its home port in Karwar, India.
While neither country has issued an official statement regarding the deployment or subsequent withdrawal, the development underscores heightened military posturing between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, whose relations remain strained.
Defense analysts note that such maneuvers reflect the fragile state of security in the region, and caution against miscalculations that could escalate into conflict.
