Pakistan’s Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf’s recent visit to the Sir Creek region, a disputed maritime border area with India, has ignited significant security concerns in New Delhi. The top naval commander toured forward posts within the creek, a zone characterized by intricate tidal channels and marshlands, which demands constant surveillance from both nations. This high-profile visit by Pakistan’s naval leader is interpreted as a strategic display of military readiness and a reinforcement of their territorial claims in the contested area. Admiral Ashraf explicitly stated the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to defending its entire coastline, from Sir Creek to Jiwani, underscoring a heightened focus on this critical coastal zone.
Adding to the tension, the Pakistan Navy has deployed new military hardware in the region. Admiral Ashraf presided over the induction of three advanced 2400 TD Hovercraft into the Pakistan Marines. These specialized vessels are designed for superior maneuverability in shallow waters, mudflats, and marshy terrains, environments that often impede conventional boats. Pakistan anticipates these hovercraft will significantly enhance patrol capabilities and troop mobility within the challenging Sir Creek ecosystem. The naval chief emphasized that these new amphibious assets signal Pakistan’s resolve to bolster the defense of its coastline and the Sir Creek area, directing his personnel to prioritize operational strength along these vital maritime frontiers.
Admiral Ashraf also highlighted the strategic importance of maritime communication lines, noting their role in ensuring Pakistan’s economic activity and regional stability. He articulated the naval presence as a guardian of both the nation’s shores and its trade interests. He further characterized the Pakistan Navy as a proponent of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region, asserting that the newly acquired hovercraft possess the capacity to deliver a potent response against any entity threatening Pakistan’s coastal interests. Indian security officials view this demonstration as a deliberate provocation within a territory where the maritime boundary remains unresolved, especially given its timing shortly before Indian tri-force exercises.
