Will India take Naval action against Pakistan after Pahalgam terrorist attack?

The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, has triggered nationwide outrage and renewed scrutiny over India’s counter-terrorism strategy. As earlier, India carried out surgical strike and Balakot airstrike after terrorist attacks in the country, speculations are rife that this time, Bharat may consider Naval action.

Also Read: Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: If Pakistan withdraws from Shimla Agreement, it will lose everything…

Speaking on the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a rally in Bihar, on Thursday declared: “Today, on the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world—India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure justice is done. The entire nation is united in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us.”

Prime Minister @narendramodi conveys India's firm resolve to fight terrorism.

"India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth.

Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that… pic.twitter.com/M6DxmOMqyl

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 24, 2025

This strong statement has intensified speculation over whether India, in its pursuit of justice, might consider military retaliation—potentially in the form of Naval operations.

Naval Action Speculations

Though no official confirmation has been made, discussions are underway about the possibility of a Naval response. In a recent conversation with Smitha Prakash on the ANI podcast, Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey (Retd), former commander of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, was asked how the government might respond to this act of terror.

Pandey emphasized that India's political leadership is mature and will not be swayed by populist jingoism. He stated that any decision would be taken collectively, based on national interest. He suggested that India’s options could range from short-term punitive actions to full-scale military operations on the level of Kargil or beyond.

He also highlighted the potential for maritime operations:

“I believe the maritime domain is one area where a strong option may be exercised, alongside land-based measures, followed by covert operations that may remain unheard and unseen—yet more impactful, even if not publicly celebrated.”

India’s Historical Military Responses

India has demonstrated its willingness to respond decisively to terrorism in the past. After the 2016 Uri attack, Indian forces conducted surgical strikes across the Line of Control targeting terrorist launchpads. Following the 2019 Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force launched airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed training camps in Balakot, Pakistan. These were bold military operations aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure and deterring future attacks.

Current Measures Post-Pahalgam Attack

In the wake of the Pahalgam tragedy, the Indian government has taken swift diplomatic and strategic steps:

Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India has temporarily halted cooperation under the treaty—a strong diplomatic signal.

Closure of the Attari-Wagah Border: The integrated check post has been shut, freezing cross-border movement.

Visa Revocations: Visas granted to Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme have been canceled.

Diplomatic Downgrades: Pakistan’s military advisers have been expelled from New Delhi, with Indian military attachés recalled from Islamabad.cancelled

Also Read: Indus Waters Treaty suspension: How will India’s move post Pahalgam terror attack impact

These actions underline India's resolve to exert sustained diplomatic and economic pressure on Pakistan.