PNS|Visakhapatnam
The unexpected announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan has brought a measure of relief to Visakhapatnam, the eastern bastion of the Indian Navy. Yet, beneath the surface calm, the city’s mood remains one of cautious optimism, shaped by decades of maritime vigilance and the bitter lessons of past conflicts.
The ceasefire declaration comes just days after the commencement of Operation Sindoor, an initiative that had heightened alert levels along India’s eastern seaboard. For many in Visakhapatnam, the timing has drawn parallels with Operation Trident during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, when the city played a crucial role in India’s naval strategy. This historical association continues to inform public sentiment even in moments of temporary peace.
Following the announcement, the city has slowly begun returning to routine. However, scepticism remains. “We are thankful for the break in tension,” said Anitha Ramesh, a schoolteacher from Seethammadhara. “But it doesn’t feel permanent. Ceasefires in the past have been fragile—often broken without warning.”
Retired naval personnel and defence veterans echoed similar sentiments. “Trust is not built in a day,” noted Subrahmanyam Rao, a former naval technician. “The Kargil conflict and repeated violations of past ceasefires remind us how delicate peace is.”
Security agencies continue to exercise caution. A senior police official, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed that surveillance remains active across critical installations such as the Eastern Naval Command headquarters, the naval dockyard, and Visakhapatnam Port. “We are maintaining operational readiness in coordination with naval and coast guard units,” the officer said.
Military sources also confirmed that no major drawdown of alert levels has occurred. “A ceasefire signals a pause, not an end,” said an officer posted with the Eastern Command. “Our surveillance, reconnaissance, and strategic preparedness are fully in place.” Former Air Commodore J.C.M. John welcomed the government’s measured response. “The Centre’s diplomatic clarity and military readiness send a strong message,” he observed. “But this is not a time for complacency. We must continue to be vigilant.”
Visakhapatnam, home to a nuclear submarine base, advanced shipbuilding infrastructure, and strategic maritime commands, remains a linchpin in India’s national defence. Its residents, no strangers to the duality of civilian life and military urgency, are approaching this ceasefire with restrained hope. “Peace is always welcome,” said Rao. “But in Visakhapatnam, it is welcomed with wary eyes—because history has taught us how easily it can slip away.”
