Indo-Pakistani Naval War of 1971
The Indo-Pakistani Naval War of 1971 refers to the maritime military engagements between the Indian Navy and the Pakistan Navy during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The series of naval operations began with the Indian Navy's exertion of pressure on Pakistan from the Indian Ocean, while the Indian Army and Indian Air Force moved in to choke Pakistani forces operating in East Pakistan on land. Indian naval operations comprised naval interdiction, air defence, ground support, and logistics missions.
| Indo-Pakistani Naval War of 1971 | |||||||||
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| Part of the Bangladesh Liberation War and Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 | |||||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||||
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| Units involved | |||||||||
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| Strength | |||||||||
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1 light cruiser 5 destroyers 2 frigates 4 submarines (3 Daphné class and 1 Tench class) 6 midget submarines 8 minesweeper 1 fleet tanker Two ex Royal Saudi Navy Jaguar-class fast attack craft At least 1 Indonesian naval vessel US 7th Fleet |
1 light aircraft carrier 2 light cruisers 3 destroyers 14 frigates 5 ASW frigates 6 missile boats 2 tankers 1 repair ship 2 landing ships 2 groups of Soviet cruisers and destroyers 1 Soviet submarine 1 Soviet nuclear submarine | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
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1,900 killed in action †
18 cargo, supply and communication ships
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194 killed in action †
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With the success of Indian naval operations in East Pakistan, the Indian Navy subsequently commenced two large-scale operations: Operation Trident and Operation Python. These operations were focused on West Pakistan, and preceded the start of formal hostilities between India and Pakistan.