“Yesterday, as you all know, a maritime attack squadron, supported by one of our MiG-29 fighter units, struck elements of the American carrier force off Bombay. Our intelligence indicates that at least three U.S. planes were shot down in the engagement.”
Ramesh pursed his lips. He knew better than to accept such figures at face value. He wondered what the kill figures really were, and how many IAF planes had been lost.
“The action of last night is being hailed as a major triumph. However, our leaders fear that American resolve has only hardened at this point. Their government stresses the concept of ‘freedom of the seas,’ which can be interpreted as their perceived right to continue to operate in our waters.
“Furthermore, the Commonwealth of Independent States has now joined the Americans. A Russian nuclear carrier group is expected to rendezvous with the Americans by mid-aftemoon.”
Sundarji raised his hand and snapped his fingers, gesturing. A civilian aide began going around the table, passing out slender folders to each military man present. Ramesh accepted his and opened it, removing die sheaf of papers inside. Written in English, as were all such documents in India, and stamped TOP SECRET across each page, it appeared to be a general directive entitled Operation Python. Cobra, Krait, and Python, Ramesh thought. New Delhi seemed entranced by the ideas of using snakes for code words this week.
‘ ‘The government has decided that only one response on our part can be direct enough, sharp enough to discourage foreign intentions in the Arabian Sea,” the minister continued as the military men read the orders. “The Political Affairs Committee has asked me to submit these plans to you this afternoon. We believe that enough ships and planes can be diverted from current operations to deliver a single, crushing blow to the joint American-Soviet battle fleet. Ideally, this should be carried out before the Russians and the Americans have a chance to work together, in order to maximize confusion.
“Their aircraft carriers, of course, will be the primary
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targets. Destroy them, or simply damage their flight decks enough to prevent air launches or recoveries, and both squadrons will be largely useless. The foreign fleets will be forced to withdraw.
“New Delhi anticipates a strong reaction, of course, but by mat time our objectives in Pakistan should be achieved. We can negotiate with Moscow and Washington over reparations or whatever is necessary, but …” He raised a forefinger, stressing the word. “”But . . . our goals will have been achieved. Victory in Pakistan, and an end to foreign intervention in our ocean.”
A rising murmur filled the room as generals and admirals scanned through the orders. “Excellency,” General Bakaya said. “These call for stripping the Pakistan front of many of our best aircraft squadrons!”
Sundarji nodded. “Temporarily, yes. It is the government’s belief that for mis operation we can muster between two and three hundred aircraft, approximately a third of our total IAF assets. The strike force will include long-range bombers, cruise missiles, and multi-wave strikes by attack planes armed with Exocets, as well as our maritime aircraft operating off of Viraat and Vikrant. Losses should not be higher than ten percent, which leaves adequate forces to return to the Pakistan front”
Admiral Karananidhi stood, shaking the papers in his fist “This is insane! You are saying we must abandon our blockade of Karachi!”
The murmurs grew louder. “I must protest,” another officer in the back shouted. “This could stall the entire offensive!”
Sundarji raised his voice. “I must emphasize . . . Gentlemen, if you please! I must emphasize that this redeployment is for the short term only! Admiral Karananidhi, you are correct. The fleet assembled for the blockade of Karachi is to be diverted to support the attack on the Soviet-American forces. But the strike is expected to take less than four hours altogether and can be accomplished while your ships are en route to the Pakistan coast The aircraft deployed for this exercise are those already in place within range of the targets. The delay will be minimal! And in exchange . . .” He spread his hands. “One lightning blow to cripple foreign air operations in the Arabian Sea! A strong message to the world that India is the master of her own destiny, her own ocean! A demonstration to Islamabad