PNS GHAZI WRECKAGE FOUND NEAR VIZAG COAST WAS SUNK BY INDIAN NAVY'S DESTROYER INS RAJPUT DURING 1971 INDO-PAK WAR

Latest News : Economic Times 24 Feb 2024

The economic times on 24 Feb 2024 reported, that the Indian Navy's Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) had located the wreckage of the Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi sunk during the 1971 Indo-Pak war near the coast of Vizag city.

This Pakistani submarine was found at a depth of around 100 meters and about 2.5 kilometers from the coast of Vishakhapatnam, on the East Coast of India. 93 Pakistani Navy personnel sank and died with this submarine.

The sinking of PNS Ghazi was one of the ?key moment in the war, which ended with the creation of Bangladesh in 1972.

As not much media or social media coverage is given to gallant Naval Operations being conducted far from sight, hence far from mind; i thought it would be in order to give all my friends and mates here a general recall.

In 1971, Naval aggression on the two fronts was undertaken with precision.

Lets look at the sinking of Ghazi and other actions the way they took place, to the best of my 'read-recall'.

Backdrop of the 1971 War

After partition, Bengali Muslims in East Pakistan lacked autonomy, leading to discontent. Despite a resounding electoral victory in 1970, the Awami League's push for autonomy faced opposition from West Pakistan's rulers. Negotiations failed, and agitations escalated. In March 1971, martial law was declared, and 'Operation Searchlight' by West Pakistan Army unleashed repression.

Pak military caused high human rights violations. Majibur Rehman's arrest and violence resulted in over three lakh casualties and millions of refugees. Diplomatic efforts with Pakistan failed, prompting India to prepare for military intervention by April 1971 if a political solution wasn't reached by November 1971.

?Indian Navy’s Strategic Plans for : 03 to 17 Dec 1971

The Indian Navy, unlike the previous wars, embraced an aggressive stance in 1971. Admiral SM Nanda, Chief of Naval Staff, sanctioned the offensive plans which included ?attacking Karachi, provoking Pakistani fleet into battle, disrupting sea lanes of communication between west and east Pakistan ports, choking Pak Army supply lines being sent through Chittagong and Cox's Bazar corridors; in addition to many more.

In simple terms, Indian Navy's strategy involved sea-based attacks on Pakistani ports, capturing or destroying Pakistani merchant vessels, obstructing enemy ships' outbound movement, and thwarting Pakistan Navy attacks on Indian assets.

Naval Operations in Consonance With Plans : A Chance Attack on PNS Ghazi

Amidst the tension of war, the Naval Carrier Battle Group (CBG) prowled the waters near Vishakhapatnam, poised for action with INS Vikrant the aircraft carrier at Vishakhapatnam.

Pakistani intelligence operated with precision, and deploying PNS Ghazi, their most advanced submarine, on a clandestine mission to strike at the heart of the Indian fleet, its mighty aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the CBG units while leaving harbor /stationed off Visag anchorage.

As units departed the harbour, their sonar’s scanned the depths, every ping echoing with the anticipation of unseen danger lurking below. Then, on the fateful night of December 3rd/4th 1971, as INS Rajput -- a destroyer, sailed in darkness, its crew sensed underwater disturbance, a silent threat lurking beneath the waves.

With adrenaline pumping and hearts racing, the crew sprang into action, dropping two depth charges into the abyss, hoping to ward off whatever unseen menace threatened their mission. The sea churned with suspense as the charges exploded, sending shock waves through the depths.

In the aftermath, amidst the haze of battle, the truth emerged later – a direct hit on PNS Ghazi, the lurking predator vanquished by the swift and decisive action of INS Rajput. The revelation sent a surge of excitement through the fleet, a mix of relief and triumph as they realized they had thwarted a deadly adversary.

But unsure as one always is in underwater warfare, the shadow of the submarine's presence lingered, a reminder of the ever-present danger of war and the courage required to face it head-on. As ships continued to navigate the treacherous waters, at action station. The thrill of the unknown and the suspense of what lay ahead kept every sailor on edge, ready to confront whatever challenges the sea—and the enemy—might throw their way.

So, finally PNS Ghazi has been found. The same confirmed.

And We Didn’t let go off the Advance : Struck Hard Regardless, with one blow too many thereafter on both fronts.

The Indian Navy maintained its relentless offensive stance, striking with unwavering intensity, escalating the assault with each successive blow.

West Coast Action

Operation Trident . Under the cloak of darkness on December 4th/5th, 1971, the Indian Navy embarked on Operation Trident, igniting the night sky with a symphony of missiles in Karachi harbor.

With hearts pounding and adrenaline surging, IN Ships Kiltan, Katchall, Nipat, Nirghat, and Veer unleashed their deadly payload, shattering the tranquility of the night and heralding the onset of battle.

In a display of unparalleled precision and unwavering resolve, they struck fear into the heart of the enemy, decimating PNS Khaibar, PNS Muhafiz, and the merchant vessel Venus Challenger, etching a historic chapter in naval warfare.

Operation Python. As the smoke cleared and the echoes of battle subsided, Operation Python descended upon the Keamari oil field in Karachi with ferocious intensity on the night of 08/09 Dec 1971.

With the thunderous roar of explosions and the searing heat of burning oil tanks, IN Ships Trishul, Talwar, and Vinash unleashed their fury upon the enemy, casting a crimson hue upon the darkened waters. In a relentless onslaught, they crippled merchant vessels and vanquished the Pakistan Navy's tanker, PNS Dacca, asserting their dominance over the seas with unyielding determination.

?As dawn broke on the horizon, the Indian Navy emerged triumphant, with its valour and indomitable spirit shining brightly amidst the chaos of battle.

Hunter-Killer Operation. Amidst the swirling depths of the Arabian Sea, a formidable adversary lurked — a French Daphne Class Pakistani submarine, wielding superior sensors and armaments, posed a grave threat to Indian shipping off Diu Head.

In response, the valiant sailors of the '14 ASW Frigate Squadron', led by Captain MN Mulla aboard INS Khukri, embarked on a daring hunt. With hearts ablaze with determination, they set sail on December 8th, 1971, ready to confront the enemy head-on. In the throes of the Hunter-Killer operation, the enemy submarine, PNS Hangoor, struck with deadly precision, torpedoing INS Khukri at 2055 hours on December 9th, 1971.

In a tragic moment etched in naval history, the ship succumbed to the Davy Jones locker carrying with it 18 officers and 176 men, including the CO, Captain MN Mulla. Though their sacrifice was great, their valour remains unmatched.

Salutations to our martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation. Captain MN Mulla was honored posthumously with the prestigious MVC. His teams legacy lives on in the annals of heroism and sacrifice.

East Coast Action

?Blockade off the Bay and Chittagong Checkmated.

The Indian Navy taskforce comprising the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, IN frigates Brahmaputra and Beas established a blockade off the coast of East Pakistan.

INS Vikrant, along with its potent air assets, Sea Hawks and Alizes, along with the Eastern Fleet ships helped achieve invaluable contraband control and sea dominance in the Bay of Bengal.

In spite of formidable presence of Pak Air Force and its ground defence at Chittagong, the Indian Navy carrier borne air power wreaked havoc on port facilities and coastal batteries at Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong.

?Operation Beaver: Amphibious Landing

As the Naval task force enforced a total blockade in the Bay of Bengal and the Eastern Army Command surged into East Pakistan from December 4th to 8th, 1971, anticipation ran high. It was speculated that Pakistani troops, to evade capture, would make a desperate bid to flee southward into Burma through Cox’s Bazar.

With adrenaline coursing through their veins, an amphibious assault was launched on December 15th, 1971, at Cox’s Bazar by two Indian Landing Ship Tanks (LST) Gharial and Guldar. Laden with the brave warriors of the ‘Romeo Force’, including 1/3 Gorkha Rifles, 02 companies of 11 Bihar, 881 Light Battery, an Ambulance Platoon, and an ASC Detachment, the LSTs stormed the shores near Cox Bazar.

With strategic precision, these forces swiftly cordoned off the southern approaches from East Pakistan, securing a vital advantage in the heat of battle.

Commando Operations at Mongla-Khulna Riverine Complex

In a daring display of courage and resolve, special Commando operations were launched on the riverine port complex of Mongla, Chalna, and Khulna. Led by the fearless Commander MN Samant, Indian Navy Commandos, alongside Border Security Force (BSF) and Mukti Bahini volunteers, formed ‘Force-A’.

With hearts set ablaze with determination, the force sailed aboard INS Panvel, Muktibahini gun boats Padma and Palash, and BSF craft Chitrangada from Haznabad to the backwaters of East Pakistan, poised for battle.

Amidst fierce crossfire engagements with Pakistani forces, they stormed the harbors on December 8th, 1971. The triumphant hoisting of the Bangladesh flag over Khulna jail on December 10th, 1971, marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for liberation. For their gallantry in this operation, Cdr MN Samant and Lt Cdr JPA Noronha were bestowed with the prestigious Maha Vir Chakra (MVC).

Shore-based Naval Air Operations

In the crucible of war, Navy’s air squadrons sprang into action, swiftly transitioning to shore-based operations with lightning speed. The Doves (DV-124 and DV 125) scoured the seas, tirelessly searching for enemy ships, submarines, and midgets, logging an impressive total of 91 hrs 35 mins.

Meanwhile, the Kirans took to the skies, clocking in 32 hrs 05 mins of flight time. Even after Pakistan's official surrender on December 17th, 1971; naval air patrols and searches persisted off the coast of Cochin.

In the Eastern theatre, a detachment from INAS 310 played a pivotal role in identifying and neutralizing Pakistani threats at sea & on shore. For his fearless leadership and gallant actions, Lt Cdr Ramsagar, the Squadron Commander, INAS 310, was awarded the esteemed Vir Chakra (Vr C).

Conclusion

For more guys read the Navy History Books on Indian Navy's website. A recall is important, as the silent service doesn't remain silent anymore. Its vocal and effective on all three domains of warfare alike.

Before i conclude i am enclosing a para from the letter the then Hon'able PM to the CNS

The Hon’ble Prime Minister Shrimati Indira Gandhi’s letter to the CNS :-

?“The Navy’s exploits in these fourteen days, will long be remembered. The achievements of the Naval Forces have thrilled the nation. Your leadership and daring and the skill of our fleet have made singular contribution to the success of the war on both fronts. I should like to express the gratitude of the Government and the people of India to you and your officers and men. None of this would have been possible without the most exacting leadership and dedication at all levels. In this, your role has been crucial. No words can be a better recompense for your labour than the people’s admiration and India’s success.”

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.