India's Naval Power: Emerging as a Blue-Water Navy

In the past few decades, with an expanding reach across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and into the Western Pacific, the Indian Navy is not only enhancing its capabilities but also playing a key role in securing global maritime routes

The Indian Navy has come a long way over the last four decades. Once primarily a coastal defence force, it has evolved into one of the world's top five navies, with an impressive reach extending from the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to the Western Pacific. Today, India's naval power is regarded as one of the most formidable globally, underpinned by cutting-edge technology, a strategic maritime doctrine, and a growing portfolio of indigenous war assets.

India's growing maritime influence is a product of several key factors. Geographically situated at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean and with a vast coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometers, India's strategic location has made its naval forces central to securing vital international shipping lanes and maintaining regional stability. This has led to the Navy's increasing role not only in the IOR but also in the broader Indo-Pacific, an area of heightened geopolitical importance in the 21st century.

The Navy has significantly boosted its capabilities to perform a range of tasks, from maintaining maritime security to conducting humanitarian missions. Through joint exercises with powerful navies like the United States, Japan, and Australia, India's naval forces have cemented their reputation as a respected and reliable partner in global maritime security. Membership in multilateral bodies such as the Quad further underscores India's growing maritime footprint.

One of the most impressive aspects of India's naval transformation is its focus on indigenous production. With the government's vision of achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) by 2047, India has increasingly prioritized the development of homegrown warships, submarines, and aircraft. This drive for indigenisation is most evident in India's nuclear submarine program and the development of the indigenous aircraft carrier.