The year 1971 was a defining period in Indian history, marked by the Indo-Pakistan war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. While much of the conflict occurred on land and in the air, an extraordinary underwater battle took place in the Bay of Bengal, known as The Ghazi Attack. This event is recognized as India's first underwater war engagement and is one of the most intriguing episodes in naval warfare history.
The Threat of PNS Ghazi: At the center of this underwater drama was the Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi, one of Asia's most powerful fast-attack submarines at the time. Originally commissioned as the USS Diablo by the U.S. Navy, Ghazi was transferred to Pakistan in 1964 and heavily modified, making it a formidable force in the Indian Ocean. Ghazi's mission in 1971 was clear: to locate and destroy the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which was deployed in the Bay of Bengal. The sinking of Vikrant would have dealt a severe blow to India's naval capabilities and given Pakistan a significant strategic advantage.
Aware of the threat posed by Ghazi, the Indian Navy devised a cunning plan to protect Vikrant. The carrier was relocated to a different area, while misleading information suggested it was still near Visakhapatnam. The objective was to lure Ghazi into a trap, and the plan worked flawlessly.
The Underwater Battle: On the night of December 3, 1971, PNS Ghazi, while scouting the waters near Visakhapatnam, encountered the Indian destroyer INS Rajput. In the ensuing encounter, depth charges were dropped near the submarine's location, and a massive explosion followed shortly after. The exact cause of the explosion is still debated, with theories ranging from Ghazi hitting one of its own mines to a direct hit from the depth charges. Whatever the cause, PNS Ghazi sank with all 92 crew members on board, effectively ending its mission and saving INS Vikrant from certain destruction.
Impact on the War: The destruction of Ghazi had a profound impact on the naval operations during the 1971 war. With the submarine threat neutralized, INS Vikrant played a critical role in the naval blockade of East Pakistan, contributing significantly to India's victory and the eventual creation of Bangladesh.
The Ghazi Attack Movie: Inspired by these true events, the 2017 film The Ghazi Attack brought this remarkable story to the silver screen. It is India's first underwater war film, and it vividly portrays the tense and dramatic events leading up to the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. The movie revolves around the Pakistani submarine Ghazi’s mission to destroy INS Vikrant and the strategic maneuvers by the Indian Navy to thwart this plan. While the film takes some creative liberties, it successfully captures the essence of the underwater conflict and pays tribute to the bravery and strategic brilliance of the Indian Navy during this critical moment in history.
Conclusion: The Ghazi Attack remains a significant chapter in India’s military history, showcasing the strategic prowess and bravery of the Indian Navy. This underwater confrontation, hidden from the world's eyes, played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the 1971 war. As India remembers the heroes of this battle, The Ghazi Attack film serves as a reminder of the silent warriors who fought beneath the waves to protect their nation.