TLDR;
The video details the covert operations and strategic decisions made by the Indian Navy during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, focusing on Operation X, the hunt for PNS Ghazi, and the role of INS Vikrant. It highlights India's efforts to weaken Pakistan's military supply lines, protect its naval assets, and ultimately contribute to Pakistan's defeat and the creation of Bangladesh.
- Operation X disrupted Pakistan's supply lines by destroying ships.
- INS Vikrant was strategically protected and used to impose a naval blockade.
- PNS Ghazi was lured and destroyed, preventing it from attacking INS Vikrant.
Introduction [0:00]
In 1971, amidst protests in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) against West Pakistan's discriminatory leadership, Pakistan's military initiated a severe crackdown, leading to a massive influx of refugees into India. This influx strained India's resources, causing financial losses and demographic concerns. Diplomatic efforts failed, prompting India to consider military action.
Planning and Preparation [2:12]
India's military chiefs initially resisted immediate military action, requesting time to prepare and weaken Pakistan. India strategically closed its airspace to Pakistan, focusing on disrupting Pakistan's sea route for military supplies to East Pakistan. A secret camp, C2P, was established in West Bengal to train Mukti Bahini commandos in guerrilla warfare tactics, including ship attacks using limpet mines.
Operation X [5:56]
Operation X was launched following a radio signal, with Mukti Bahini commandos attacking Pakistani ships, causing significant damage and disrupting Pakistan's military supply lines. The USA, allied with Pakistan, monitored India's involvement. Pakistan, realizing India's support for Mukti Bahini, shifted to an offensive stance, deploying fighters and naval units.
Protecting INS Vikrant [8:38]
Fearing a retaliatory attack on INS Vikrant, India's crucial aircraft carrier, the Indian Navy debated its deployment due to pending repairs. Despite concerns, naval leadership decided to make INS Vikrant war-ready and deployed it to the Bay of Bengal, assigning it surveillance duties. Pakistan, aware of INS Vikrant's importance, planned to eliminate it to prevent a naval blockade.
The Mission of PNS Ghazi [11:50]
Pakistan tasked its long-range submarine, PNS Ghazi, to eliminate INS Vikrant. Despite PNS Ghazi's poor condition, Pakistan's leadership proceeded with the mission. A Western country's aircraft, under the guise of an emergency landing, gathered intelligence on INS Vikrant's location and relayed it to Pakistan. Captain Zafar Muhammad Khan was appointed to command PNS Ghazi.
PNS Ghazi's Journey [14:18]
PNS Ghazi departed on its mission with sealed orders, initially unaware of the exact objective. The Indian Navy tracked communication signals, identifying a submarine moving towards INS Vikrant's position. RAW agents gathered intelligence on Pakistan's naval activities, confirming Pakistan's intent to attack INS Vikrant.
The Sealed Orders [20:19]
After reaching a designated location, Commander Zafar opened the sealed orders, revealing the mission to sink INS Vikrant or, failing that, lay mines near Visakhapatnam Port. The Indian Navy, aware of PNS Ghazi's presence, transmitted background signals to disrupt its communication with Pakistan.
Deception and Strategy [22:08]
Indian intelligence confirmed PNS Ghazi's location near Madras. To protect INS Vikrant, it was moved to a secret location, Port X-Ray. Vice Admiral N. Krishnan orchestrated a deception, using radio communications and vegetable orders to create the illusion that INS Vikrant was at Visakhapatnam port, successfully luring PNS Ghazi.
The Downfall of PNS Ghazi [26:52]
PNS Ghazi, believing INS Vikrant was at Visakhapatnam, set course for the port. While attempting to lay mines, PNS Ghazi lost balance, struck the seabed, and became trapped. The Indian Navy, having lost track of PNS Ghazi, grew concerned. INS Rajput, acting as a decoy, detected sonar vibrations and fired depth charges, leading to a massive explosion.
The Aftermath [39:30]
The destruction of PNS Ghazi was confirmed by the Indian Navy. The recovered logs and communication codes revealed the details of its mission. The sinking of PNS Ghazi and the protection of INS Vikrant played a crucial role in the 1971 war, leading to Pakistan's defeat and the creation of Bangladesh.
