By IETeam India is undertaking a significant expansion of its naval capabilities, commissioning multiple warships to bolster its presence in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This initiative is part of a broader strategy to counter increasing Chinese influence and ensure the security of crucial maritime trade routes.
Recent Naval Inductions
On January 15, 2025, the Indian Navy simultaneously launched a submarine, a destroyer, and a frigate from the state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai. This event underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime defense capabilities.
- INS Vagsheer: The sixth vessel in the French-designed Scorpene-class submarine series, INS Vagsheer, is equipped with advanced stealth features and precision weaponry, enhancing India’s underwater combat capabilities.
- INS Surat: A stealth-guided missile destroyer, INS Surat is designed for multi-role operations, including anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare.
- INS Nilgiri: The lead ship of the Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, INS Nilgiri is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and weaponry, enhancing the Navy’s surface warfare capabilities.
Strategic Imperatives
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the shifting focus of global power dynamics towards the Indian Ocean, emphasizing the necessity of a robust naval presence to safeguard India’s interests. He stated, “The Atlantic Ocean’s importance has shifted to the Indian Ocean region, which is becoming a center of international power rivalry.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, present at the commissioning ceremony, remarked, “The commissioning of three major naval combatants marks a significant leap forward in realizing India’s vision of becoming a global leader in defense manufacturing and maritime security.”
Countering Regional Challenges
China’s expanding naval footprint in the Indian Ocean has been a growing concern for India. Analysts note that China’s naval capabilities have been increasing, with the Chinese navy constructing up to 14 warships annually, compared to India’s four.
To counter this, India has been enhancing its naval infrastructure and capabilities. The commissioning of indigenous vessels like INS Vikrant, India’s first home-built aircraft carrier, in 2022, and the recent launches are steps towards asserting its maritime dominance and ensuring the security of its maritime trade routes, through which 95% of its trade volume passes.
Future Outlook
India aims to expand its naval fleet to 175 ships by 2035, focusing on domestically produced components to achieve self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This expansion is expected to enhance India’s ability to project power, secure its maritime interests, and contribute to regional stability.
Conclusion
India’s naval expansion reflects its strategic imperative to secure the Indian Ocean Region amidst evolving regional dynamics. By enhancing its maritime capabilities, India seeks to safeguard its economic interests, counter regional challenges, and assert its role as a leading power in the Indo-Pacific region.