Immediately at the outbreak of World War 2, Punjabi began to patrol the North Atlantic with the rest of the 6th Destroyer Flotilla. For the first three months, her duties consisted of anti- submarine patrols and fleet screening duties all aggravated by exposure to violent gales.

During the Second Battle of Narvik on 13 April 1940, Punjabi was badly damaged by six shells but was back in action an hour later. Bigger action was to follow.

On 21/22 May 1941, it was believed that the German battleship BISMARCK was ready to break out into the Atlantic. Confirmation came through on 22nd May and the Home Fleet sailed at 2245. Punjabi as part of that Fleet, was not to share in the final cornering of Bismarck. Two days of high speed search soon depleted the destroyers fuel oil and by the 24/25th, all destroyers had to return to Hvalfiord, Iceland to refuel.

Prior to the invasion of Russia by Germany, Force'K' consisting of Punjabi, HMS Aurora, HMS Nigeria and HMS Tartar left Scapa Flow for Spitsbergen with the intention of investigating that island\'s use as a naval base. It was intended that the ships stationed here could strike against German convoy traffic off Norway. Rear-Admiral Vian in Nigaria layer reported that a military occupation of Spitsbergen could be feasible but the winter ice in the fjords would prohibit the island\'s use as an all-year round naval base. After that mission, all of Punjabi\'s operations focused on Russian convoys.

In January 1942, Punjabi was retrofitted at Palmer's Yarrow Yard and immediately returned to her Home Fleet duties. On the 5 March 1942, she joined HMS Ashanti and HMS Bedouin in an abortive hunt for the German battleship Tirpitz. After a second attempt, Punjabi was forced to return to base with disabled steering gear.