As the Indian Navy conducted multiple anti-ship firings in the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, India’s World spoke with Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla—former Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command (retired in 2021)—to discuss the Indian Navy’s response and its potential role in the scenario of a limited conventional war with Pakistan.
Throughout his distinguished career, Vice Admiral Chawla has held several key positions. He has served as Director General of Naval Operations, and as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, and commanded the Western Fleet. His ashore and staff appointments include a stint as an instructor at the National Defence Academy, Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Jakarta, and Senior Instructor at the Defence Services Staff College. He was also conferred the honorary title of Aide-De-Camp to the President of India, and was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of the highest order.
Since any kinetic action by the Indian Navy would be considered an act of war by Islamabad, India is likely to prefer employing non-kinetic measures in the maritime domain, which themselves potentially entail significant repercussions for India’s adversary.
