India and Russia.

50 years ago, in Dec 1971, the US threatened India to stop the 1971 war. An alarmed India sent a SOS to the Soviet Union. A story that has been nearly erased from Indian history books.

When Pakistan's defeat in the 1971 war seemed imminent, Kissinger spurred Nixon to send the US 7th Fleet's Task Force, led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, to the Bay of Bengal. The USS Enterprise, at 75,000 ton, was the world's largest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier with more than 70 fighter aircraft. A monster. The Indian Navy's fleet was led by the 20,000-ton aircraft carrier, Vikrant, with 20 light fighter aircraft.

The USS Enterprise was being dispatched to secure American citizens Sea. The British and the Americans planned a co-ordinated pincer attack to intimidate India : the British ships in the Arabian Sea will target India's western coast while the Americans would make a dash to Chittagong. Caught between the British and the American ships was the Indian Navy.

It was Dec '71 and the world's two leading democracies were now threatening the world's largest democracy. The Red Navy soon dispatched 16 Soviet naval units and six nuclear submarines from Vladivistok to block USS Enterprise.

Admiral Krishnan, CinC East, wrote in his book, "No way but surrender" that he was afraid that the Americans will reach Chittagong. He mentions how they even thought of attacking Enterprise, in a do or die move, to slow it down.

In the 2nd week of Dec '71, the US 7th fleet Task Force arrived in the Bay of Bengal. The British fleet was arriving in the Arabian Sea. The world held its breath.

But unknown to the Americans, the submerged Soviet submarines had overtaken them.

As USS Enterprise moved towards East Pakistan, the Soviet submarines surfaced without any warning. The Soviet subs were now standing between India and the US Naval force.

The Americans were shocked.

Admiral Gordon told the 7th American Fleet Commander : "So, we are too late. The Soviets are here!"

Both the American and British fleets backed off. Today, most Indians have forgotten this colossal naval chess battle between the two superpowers in the Bay of Bengal.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, thanks to Maman giving me a wake-up call. We set off for the DDRC Lab at Sasthamangalam by a quarter past 6. However, though we got the first slot, Saumya and Aathira of the staff had come late. 

Then we'd gone to Anupama @ Ilippode, for administering insulin on Maman.

Was at the office by a half past 9.

Hari Chaarutha was the chief guest for the evening's function. Spoke well on "Cartoon Music".