November 23rd, 1655.
The city of Makran, Southeastern Part of the Safavid Empire, on the Gulf of Oman.
With the commencement of the battle for Balochistan, Gangadhar's fleet officially split into two battle groups, each tasked with their own objectives in the war. The naval operation on the Arabian Sea saw the majority of the empire's navy deployed, including 189 sloops and 63 frigates. Meanwhile, the remaining 171 sloops and 41 frigates were stationed at the eastern naval base due to the continued activity of the Mughal Navy in the Bay of Bengal.
In addition to the naval battle for Makran city, another reason for the empire's focus on the Arabian Sea was its status as the default route for any European merchants, visitors, or even adventurers to the subcontinent. Vijay was particularly cautious, even paranoid, about the possibility of invasion from foreign powers, prompting him to prioritize the defence of this crucial region.
