New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation after Pakistan’s Navy Chief, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, visited forward naval bases within the Sir Creek area, a long-standing maritime boundary dispute between India and Pakistan. The admiral’s presence in this ecologically complex region of tidal channels and mudflats, requiring constant vigilance from both sides, is viewed as a deliberate act to showcase Pakistan’s military preparedness and underscore its claims. Admiral Ashraf’s pronouncements regarding the defense of the entire coastline, from Sir Creek to Jiwani, signal an elevated priority for this strategic coastal expanse.
In a significant development, the Pakistan Navy has augmented its forces in the Sir Creek vicinity with the induction of three modern 2400 TD Hovercraft for its Marines. Admiral Ashraf personally oversaw this rollout, emphasizing the hovercraft’s capability to traverse shallow waters, wet sand, and marshy landscapes – terrain that poses significant challenges for conventional naval assets. These hovercraft are poised to revolutionize patrol operations and troop movement across the difficult Sir Creek wetlands. The naval chief articulated that these new amphibious vehicles represent a concrete step towards fortifying the defense of Pakistan’s shoreline and the disputed Sir Creek region. He implored his personnel to bolster their operational effectiveness along the maritime boundaries deemed essential for Pakistan’s security.
Admiral Ashraf also elaborated on the critical role of maritime communication infrastructure in supporting Pakistan’s economic endeavors and ensuring regional stability. He characterized the naval deployment as a vital responsibility, safeguarding both the nation’s extensive coastline and its commercial interests. He positioned the Pakistan Navy as a guardian of peace and stability within the Indian Ocean Region, asserting that the hovercraft are equipped to provide a formidable response to any challenges to Pakistan’s sovereignty in these coastal zones. Concerns are high in India, with officials interpreting the visit as an attempt to provoke and internationalize the Sir Creek issue, particularly given its timing just before major Indian joint military drills.