May 12, 1997, Bay of Bengal, international waters.
The weather was clear, with extremely high visibility. The azure seawater shimmered in the tropical sunlight, but inside the combat information center (CIC) of the destroyer "Kukulkan," the atmosphere was like an ice cellar.
On the electronic tactical screen, three bright spots were clearly displayed, fanning out and approaching the Mexican Navy formation. Distance: 40 nautical miles. Speed: 22 knots. Identification signal: Indian Navy, "Rajput" class destroyer "Lanville," "Godavari" class frigate "Ganga," and "Cookri" class frigate "Kutal."
A few minutes earlier, an Indian Navy "Sea King" helicopter had conducted a low-altitude reconnaissance over the formation, full of provocation.
