Hours after the 1971 war was officially declared, India achieved its first big win against Pakistan. Pakistan was relying heavily on the success of its long-range submarine Ghazi to cripple India. PNS Ghazi was tasked with hunting and destroying India's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

The 1971 India-Pakistan War, often perceived to be a terrestrial war, saw crucial action by the Indian Navy. The Navy attacked the Karachi harbour twice, crippling Pakistan's naval capabilities, and also sank PNS Ghazi.

India's naval triumph in the 1971 war involved a strategic masterstroke. INS Rajput, acting as a decoy, tricked the Pakistani submarine Ghazi. This led to Ghazi's sinking near Visakhapatnam. INS Vikrant,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the "courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India's historic victory in 1971." In a post on X, he said, "Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us.