Did INS Rajput Really Sink PNS Ghazi During the 1971 Indo-Pak War?

The sinking of PNS Ghazi, a Pakistani submarine, remains one of the unsolved mysteries of the 20th century. Operator of the first submarine in South Asia and the only one in Pakistan's navy, Ghazi was deployed during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War to counter the Indian aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. However, it disappeared on the night of December 3-4, 1971, near Vishakapatnam. This article explores the claimed Indian version and the ensuing debate over whether INS Rajput was indeed responsible for its sinking.

The Indian Perspective: A Strategic Trap

According to Indian versions, INS Rajput, a destroyer, operated to sink PNS Ghazi. Details of the operation are as follows:

Operation Plan: The Indian Navy intercepted a message between Karachi's naval HQ and PNS Ghazi, detecting the submarine's mission to sink INS Vikrant. Naval Intelligence devised a trap, exploiting communications. Deception in Communications: A huge order for food and maintenance parts was placed at Vizag and intercepted by Pakistani intelligence. The Indian Navy exploited this, initiating a communication barrage making Vizag appear as Vikrant's likely destination. Snare for the Submarine: INS Rajput, following the plan, generated massive wireless traffic, leading PNS Ghazi to believe Vikrant was in Vizag.

During the early hours of December 3, 1971, INS Rajput’s sonar detected underwater activity. The ship altered course and dropped detonating depth charges, followed promptly by a massive underwater explosion. The commanding officer initially suspected an underwater torpedo, but as no damage was visible, the situation was reported back to the Vizag base and subsequently to the nearby task force.

The following day, INS Akshay inspected the reported site. An oil slick and an unused life jack were found, indicating a quick and likely underwater incident.

The Pakistani and Indian Versions Revisited

Both India and Pakistan maintain their own narratives regarding the sinking of PNS Ghazi. Here is a brief comparison of the two versions:

Indian Recount

The Indian Navy used an elaborate deception to make PNS Ghazi believe that Vikrant was docked at Vizag.

INS Rajput released depth charges and detected the sinking of the submarine, supporting the Indian claim.

An oil slick and an unused life jack found by INS Akshay confirmed the submarine's sudden, likely underwater sinking.

Pakistani Account

According to Pakistani sources, the submarine was lost due to a navigational error or technical failure rather than an active attack. However, this claim is contradicted by the consistent evidence supporting an active attack scenario.

Recent Developments and Evidence

Modern analysis and research continue to scrutinize various evidence. Recent sonar maps detailed by the Indian Navy and archaeological findings near Vishakapatnam support the Indian account of destruction by an underwater explosion. The discovery of a sunken submarine wreckage in waters near Vishakapatnam has also bolstered the Indian theory.

Conclusion: The Debate Continues

Despite the overwhelming evidence suggesting an active attack, the exact nature of the destruction of PNS Ghazi remains shrouded in mystery. While India's narrative ascribes the sinking to INS Rajput, the possibility of navigational errors or submarine malfunctions cannot be entirely ruled out. As historical evidence is reviewed, it is hoped that the event will one day be fully understood and accurately recorded.