It was the fourth in a series of battles fought between the two fleets off the coast of the Indian subcontinent during the American Revolutionary War.

He arrived in February 1782 and immediately engaged the British fleet of Vice-Admiral Hughes in the inconclusive Battle of Sadras.

[1] The next day, after ammunition and supplies were distributed among Suffren's ships, they sailed for Trincomalee, where they anchored the same evening.

After negotiations, the fort's garrison surrendered on condition that the French transport it to Madras and allow it to continue service in the war.

[citation needed] Following the battle off Negapatam, Hughes had spent two weeks at sea before putting into Madras for repairs.

Some of them, led by his second-in-command, had persistently opposed offensive actions against the British, and vigorously renewed their objections to the need for combat.

This command, even after being repeated several times, was poorly executed by his recalcitrant subordinates, and only a ragged line was arranged.

Saint-Michel and Annibal, commanded by insubordinate captains, stayed away, while Brillant eventually neared the action and gave some assistance.

An hour later, the situation became critical when Héros's mainmast came crashing down, and Suffren was forced to scramble to make sure the British did not think that he had struck his colours.

[citation needed] While accounts differ, it appears likely that Suffren may have attempted to give chase when Hughes drew his fleet off and made for Madras.

The damage to the British fleet was so severe that land commanders at Madras recalled troops from the field in case the French attempted an attack there.