indian navy essay

Essay on “The Indian Navy” for Kids and Students, English, Paragraph, Speech for Class 8, 9, 10, 12, College and Competitive Exams.

The Indian Navy

The Indian Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of India. With 55,000 men and women, including 5,000 naval aviation personnel and 2,000 Marine Commandos (MARCOS), it is the world’s fifth largest navy. The Indian Navy currently operates more than 155 vessels, including the aircraft carrier INS Viraat. India uses its navy to enhance its international relations through Joint exercises, port visits, and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief. The Indian Navy is increasing its capabilities as a true blue-water navy; the Indian Navys octrine states that this is for the collective good of nations.

The Indian Navy sees several principal roles for itself:

• In conjunction with other armed forces of the union, act to deter or defeat any threats or aggression against the territory, people or maritime interests of India, both in war and peace;
• Project influence in India’s maritime area of interest, to further the nation’s political, economic and security objectives;
• In cooperation with the Indian Coast Guard, ensure good order and stability in India’s maritime zones of responsibility.
• Provide maritime assistance (including disaster relief) in India’s maritime neighborhood.
• To play a key role as part of ‘a pluralistic security order’ for a better world.

The Indian Navy is well known to provide emergency relief to the marooned due to natural cause or conflicts in and around the Indian Ocean.

Each of the three Naval Commands has an active Flag Officer Commanding in Chief. The commander of the Navy is the Chief of Naval staff (CNS).

The Indian Navy is divided into the following broad categories:

• Administration
• Logistics and Material
• The Naval Aviation
• The Submarine Arm

The Marine Commando Force (MCF) known as MARCOS is a Special Forces unit that was raised by the Indian Navy in 1987. Modeled after the US Navy SEAL and the Royal Marines it was created to handle reconnaissance, raids and counter-terrorism in a maritime environment. The Indian Navy conducts naval exercises with friendly navies strengthening bilateral relationships with other navies and nations. Some such exercises take place annually like the Exercise VARUNA with the French Navy, KONKAN with the British Royal Navy, INDRA with Russian Navy, MALABAR with the U.S. Navy, SIMBEX with Republic of Singapore Navy. The Indian Navy also conducted exercise with the Chinese PLAN in 2003 and with various other navies. India conducted TROPEX (Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercises) 2007 in Which, the new doctrine of influencing the land and air battle in support of Indian Army and the In was validated. Indian Navy conducted of Indian Army and the Indian Air Force Indian Navy conducted naval exercise with JMSDF and U.S Navy in the Pacific and also exercised with Chinese Navy. The Indian Navy regularly conducts adventure expeditions, the most remarkable among the various adventures being the sailing ship and training vessel INS Tarangini s circumnavigating of all the different ports belonging to different countries this was done intending to foster good relations with various other nations, she returned to India after visiting 36 ports in 18 nations. This helps to bridge gaps between nations and develop strong political and military relations.

The men in white are the ones responsible to safeguard coastal boundaries around India and are the very reason we sleep peacefully. Their never ending determination will always ensure a safe and bright future for India. No wonder there are a million Indians waiting to join the Indian Navy.

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The Indian Navy

Last updated on January 31, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

Indian Navy is the naval wing of the Indian Armed Forces. It is a blue-water navy that operates in the Persian Gulf region, the Horn of Africa to the Strait of Malacca.

The primary objective of the Indian Navy is to safeguard the country’s maritime borders. It also works with other branches of the armed forces, the Indian Air Force , and the Indian Army , to deter any aggression or threat to the territory, and maritime interests of India, both in times of war and peace.

Table of Contents

The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Navy. The commander of the navy is the Chief of Naval Staff, a four-star admiral.

The navy conducts routine anti-piracy operations with other navies in the region of operation. It conducts 2-3 month-long deployments in the South and the East China Sea and the Western Mediterranean Sea as well.

The Indian Navy promotes bilateral relations between nations through joint exercises, goodwill visits, humanitarian missions, and disaster management relief.

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Indian Navy’s motto is “Sham no Varunah”, which means “May the god of water, Varuna is protecting us”.

The Indian Navy Day is celebrated on December 4 every year to remember Operation Trident.

Operation Trident was a counter-attack by the Indian Navy on the Karachi harbor during the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971. India used anti-ship missiles for the first time during this operation to destroy the Pakistani destroyer ship PNS Khaibar. Three more warships of The Indian Navy, INS Nipat, INS Nirghat, and INS Veer, played an important role in the attack.

History of the Indian Navy

The maritime history of India goes back to about 6000 years. The art of navigation has been recorded since the Indus Valley Civilisation. Then on the Indians have leaped ahead continuously in maritime trade and expansions. Since ancient times India’s trade relations with countries of the Pacific and Indian oceans have been recorded. From the Kalinga empire in 5-10 CE to the Chola empire in 984-1042 CE, naval expeditions have reached far and beyond Malaya and Sumatran islands as well.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, Indian shipbuilding skills and maritime ability were so sophisticated that they could produce ships with a capacity to carry over a hundred men along with large quantities of goods for trade.

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The advent of Europeans in India started sowing seeds of the decline of the Indian naval power. Even though there were few instances of strong naval forces throughout history, like with the Mughals, Gujarat kingdom, and the Marathas.

The Royal Indian Navy

The formation of the Royal Indian Navy can be traced back to 1612, when the British and Portuguese engaged in a naval encounter, hence forcing the British to regularly maintain a naval fleet on the west coast of India.

In 1834, the navy which was earlier named the Bombay Marine became the Her Majesty’s Indian Navy. The navy participated in the First Opium War of 1840 and the Second Anglo-Burmese War in 1852.

It was called Her Majesty’s Indian Marine in 1877. Later, in 1892 the Marine was rechristened the Royal Indian Marine which participated in World War I .

In 1934, the Marine was upgraded to a full naval force, thus becoming the Royal Indian Navy (RIN), and was presented the King’s colors in recognition of its services to the British Crown.

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The RIN participated in World War II with a small fleet but suffered causalities too. The RIN was dominated by British officers, and no Indian held a high rank, even after World War II.

This situation along with racial discrimination and poor communications led to the Royal Indian Navy mutiny in 1946. But the revolt failed as it did not receive support from the Indian Army the leaders of Congress or the Muslim League.

Post-independence status of the Indian Navy

The 1961 liberation of Goa from the Portuguese was the first engagement of the Indian Navy post-independence. The navy also played important roles in the Indo-Pak War of 1965 and the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

Over the years, the Indian Navy has executed several operations and relief operations in various parts of the world.

From the 21 st century onwards, the Indian Navy has played a crucial role in maintaining peace on the maritime front. It has been deployed for humanitarian relief in times of natural disasters and crises across the globe, as well as to keep India’s maritime trade routes free and open.

Recent news about the Indian Navy

• The Indian Navy’s firepower got a major boost with the induction of INS Visakhapatnam, one of the four stealth guided-missile destroyer ships under Project 15B, at the Western Naval Command in Mumbai on Sunday.
• INS Visakhapatnam is packed with an array of weapons and sensors, which include supersonic surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, medium and short-range guns, anti-submarine rockets, advanced electronic warfare, and communication suits.
• The scorpene-class submarine, INS Vela, the fourth submarine under P75 has been commissioned into the Indian Navy.

Project 15B

The Project 15B class of guided-missile destroyers , an improved variant of the Kolkata-class destroyers, are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) for the Indian Navy.

The four ships in the project are:

• INS Vishakapatnam (commissioned)
• INS Mormogaon (ready for trials)
• INS Imphal (advanced stage of outfitting)
• INS Surat (to be launched in 2022)

Features of the ships

• These ships are amongst the most technologically advanced Guided Missile Destroyers in the world, with state-of-the-art weapon/sensor packages, advanced stealth features, and a high degree of automation.
• They are equipped with  Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles and long-range surface-to-air Missiles (SAM).
• The ship has several indigenous weapons systems like  medium-range Surface-to-Air missiles (SAMs) , indigenous torpedo tube launchers, anti-submarine indigenous rocket launchers, and a 76-mm super rapid gun mount.
• The destroyers will feature multiple fire zones, battle damage control systems (BDCS), and distributional power systems for improved survivability and reliability in emergent conditions.
• The total atmospheric control system (TACS) onboard the vessel will protect the crew from chemical, biological and nuclear threats.

It is one of the Indian Navy’s paramount responsibilities to safeguard the large coastline of 7516 Kms and almost 1100 offshore islands with 2.01 million sq km EEZ (exclusive economic zone). The current geopolitical scenario has only intensified the need for more vigilance.

Destroyers like the P-15B class will play an important role in the oceans of the Indo-Pacific, making the Indian Navy a powerful force.

The guided-missile Destroyers are deployed for various responsibilities like escort duties with the Carrier Battle Group to protect the Naval fleet against any air, surface, and underwater threats.

Other projects of the Indian Navy

Project 75 (P75) involves the acquisition of six ships of the Kalvari-class diesel-electric attack submarines. The submarines have been ordered by the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the Indian Navy.

The P75 Kalvari-class diesel-electric / air-independent propulsion (AIP) submarines are based on the Scorpene-class submarines , which were designed by French naval shipbuilding firm Naval Group (formerly known as DCNS) in partnership with Spanish shipbuilding firm Navantia.

The new submarines are being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (formerly known as Mazagon Dock) in Mumbai, India, using the technology and training provided by the Naval Group.

The six scorpene class submarines under P75 are:

• INS Kalvari (commissioned in 2017)
• INS Khanderi (commissioned in 2019)
• INS Karanj (commissioned in 2021)
• INS Vela (commissioned in 2021)
• INS Vagir (launched in 2020)
• INS Vagsheer (expected launch in 2021)

The Indian Navy intends to use the submarines for missions including area surveillance, intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and minelaying operations.

Project 75I (India)

The Project 75 (India)-class submarines, or P-75I, for short, are a planned class of diesel-electric submarines, which are to be built for the Indian Navy. The P-75I class is a follow-on of the P-75 class submarines  of the Indian Navy.

This project envisages the indigenous construction of submarines equipped with a state-of-the-art  air-independent propulsion system .

Under this project, the Indian Navy intends to acquire six conventional, diesel-electric attack submarines, which will have advanced features like–

• Air-independent propulsion (AIP)
• ISTAR(intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance)
• Special Operations Forces (SOF)
• Anti-ship warfare (AShW)
• Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
• Anti-surface warfare (ASuW)
• Land-attack capabilities and other features.

Project 75 (I), is part of the Indian Navy’s 30 year Plan for indigenous submarine construction.

• It will be the first under the strategic partnership model which was promulgated in 2017 to boost indigenous defence manufacturing.
• The strategic partnership model allows domestic defence manufacturers to collaborate with leading foreign defence companies to produce high-end military platforms to reduce import dependence.

All six submarines are expected to be constructed in India, under the  Make in India  initiative.

Indian Navy’s 30-year Plan

The 30-year submarine-building plan was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, in June 1999, which included the construction of 24 conventional submarines indigenously by 2030.

A total of 24 submarines are to be built in India, and 6 of them will be nuclear-powered.

India has one nuclear submarine only at this point- INS Arihant . The  INS Arighat , also a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, is to be commissioned soon.

INS Chakra, a nuclear submarine, was taken on lease from Russia and is being returned.

New Naval insignia

The Prime Minister introduced the new Naval Ensign “Nishaan” during the commissioning of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

The Indian Naval Ensign was redesigned to shed the colonial past and honor the rich Indian maritime tradition.

The previous ensign carried the Saint George’s Cross with the Tricolour in the canton (top left corner of the flag).

The St. George’s Cross, which has a red cross on a white backdrop, serves as the previous Indian Naval Ensign. When India gained independence, the Union Jack was replaced with the Indian flag in the corner of the cross. The famous Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the inspiration for the new naval ensign.

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Indian navy: the guardians of the indian ocean.

Introduction

History is testimony to the fact that any ruler who went on  to become an emperor always had a strong Navy. The one, who conquered the blue waters, conquered the world. India was a super power in the ancient times. The Chola Navy was considered one of the strongest navies of its time and one of the major reasons behind the Chola’s economic supremacy. Supremacy of Navy stands true even in the 21st Century. If India has to become a super power again in 21st Century, it will have to build a blue water Navy capable of dominating the Indo-Pacific Region

India’s Geostrategic Location

The Indo-Pacific is increasingly becoming a geo-strategic focal point on the globe. The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) holds great relevance in the emerging world order of 21st Century, in terms of economic growth, natural resources, as well as major sea lines of communication. Being geographically and economically central to the IOR, any geo-economic contestations will have a huge impact on India. While China is aiming to secure access to strategic ports to gain an economic and strategic advantage, India’s role in the region is increasingly seen as a protector of the international order, particularly as it pertains to maintaining open sea lanes and the freedom of navigation.

Pivotal Role of Indian Navy  

India needs a modern Navy to protect its maritime interests and shoulder additional responsibilities, particularly in the current geo-political and security situation that prevails in the Indo-Pacific Ocean Region. The aim of the expansion plan of Indian Navy is to govern the two oceans, The Indian Ocean as well as the Pacific.

Navies are not built in a day, they require consistent efforts and thus, the Indian Navy now needs to transform from a ‘Buyer’s navy into a Builders Navy’. One of the major challenges for Indian forces, of course, remains the budgetary support. The reasons for this build up are several and could be summarised as under-

• First, national prestige has become an important lever for the Indian Navy. The need to have a powerful three-dimensional long-range navy to reflect a Great Power status.
• Second, the ability of the indigenous shipbuilding industry to not only provide more but also “push” for more (orders).
• Third, to have a credible “second strike” nuclear deterrent, as a naval retaliatory action is considered least vulnerable and most effective.
• An Indian ambition to establish a strong presence in the Indian Ocean region amidst the changing geopolitical maritime environment has led to a wish list of procurement by the Indian Navy.

Growth of Indian Navy

The Navy is striving to address the capability voids in areas such as aircraft carriers, tankers, landing platform docks, mine countermeasures vessels, submarines and integral helicopters. We are also enhancing our surveillance capabilities through induction of long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, integral helicopters and high-altitude long-endurance aircraft or remotely piloted aircraft. The focus has been to augment capability through induction of modern platforms, weapons and sensors. India also need to enhance it’s ability to conduct surveillance and maximize its maritime domain awareness.

Some baby steps have been taken by Indian Navy towards Blue Waters, however, the national focus on blue waters has to go beyond rhetoric and start action on ground. As part of modernization, induction of maritime missile technology further enhances the Indian Navy’s potency. The 300 km BrahMos medium range cruise missile and the 350 km Dhanush (Prithvi II adapted) ballistic missile are noteworthy additions to India’s armory.  The Dhanush ballistic missile is capable of being launched from both ‘on water’ as well as ‘under water’ assets.  Also equally important is the successful testing and impending installation of 1500 km range Sagarika ‘Oceanic’ missile on the INS Arihant. Add to this India’s successful testing of the 3500 km range Agni III ballistic missile (with work underway for a submarine launched version) and it puts both Pakistan and China even more firmly within India’s nuclear sites. Recently, India has quietly commissioned its secretive nuclear missile tracking vessel called the VC 11184, entering a select league of nations with the capability to monitor missile launches at long distances, enhancing the testing programme and adding a crucial part to a national missile defence system. The underwater capabilities of India needs greater focus as the submarine fleet is aging (1980 vintage). Acquiring of  third Russian Akula class nuclear powered attack submarine will enhance the underwater capability to some extent.

India spends just about 15 per cent of its total military expenditure on its navy, far lower than its peers in the QUAD. The United States leads the pack, spending nearly 30 per cent of its military expenditure on its navy, while Australia and Japan spend nearly 25 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively.

Increasing Footprints in Blue Waters

Role of A&N Command. India positioned it’s first tri services command at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar island. The primary aim was to protect its strategic interests in the Strait of Malacca but aim plus was to place a command and communication structure at the islands, with reasonable logistics facilities. This could be augmented, whenever needed. This tri services command will act as fulcrum for Indian Navy operations and also friendly naval forces, in the Indo-pacific region. The need was well established during joint multinational exercises. Presently, India continues to use   it   as a logistical facility for supporting the navy’s deployments in East and Southeast Asia. The role can be suitably enhanced when the need arises.

Offshore Bases. India is increasing it’s footprints in the blue waters of Indo-Pacific Ocean region. Strategically located islands in the Indian Ocean are crucial for domination of blue waters and safeguarding the country’s maritime natural resources.  These islands also provide an opportunity for coordinated and joint anti-submarine warfare missions for both the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. India has negotiated agreements with several states in the littoral IOR to obtain military access to their bases.    India has also engaged   France and the United States through logistics agreements, which grant India access to port facilities at the U.S. base on Diego Garcia and the French base on Reunion Island.

Agreements and understanding with Australia has been reached to use Cocos islands for joint naval surveillance of sea routes. Cocos Islands, fall right in the middle of sea trade routes. The Indian government has setup listening posts and established Naval surveillance facilities in Madagascar and Mauritius. The small, remote Mauritian island called ALAGELA, is currently being developed as an air and naval staging point for surveillance of the South-West Indian Ocean.  In recent years, India has sought to further develop its military access to the south-west Indian Ocean by building logistics base on Seychelles’ remote Assumption Island. There is similar arrangement with Japan which provides India access to naval facilities at Djibouti.

Maritime Collaboration. India has also held multilateral naval exercises   in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with 16 other countries   and in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), sailing alongside the Australian, Japanese, and U.S. naval forces. Maritime collaboration and multilateral naval exercise with QUAD member countries, conveyed the right signals to the world about emerging alliances, in the new world order.

India is set to be a significant player in the global maritime pecking order for the 21st century, with a substantive ‘blue water’ navy ready for  operating in various long range deep water settings. As per Maritime Capability Perspective Plan, the Indian Navy aims to have 200 ships, 500 aircraft and 24 attack submarines, they said. At present, the Navy has around 132 ships, 220 aircraft and 15 submarines.   We also require at least three aircraft carriers. The Navy has been requesting for additional funds since long to  become battle-ready for blue waters.  The focus should be rapid capability expansion that is anchored in indigenous construction, self-reliance, public and private sector participation, and it’s called ‘nation building through shipbuilding’. However, apart from counting numbers, focus should be on capability enhancement.

The Indian Navy, which is the flag bearer of India’s maritime power, needs to transform itself to become capable of governing two oceans, the Indian Ocean as well the Pacific. India is now cautious that it cannot allow China to dominate IOR like it has done in the South China Sea and challenge territorial claims and international norms in the IOR.

After a neglect of almost half a century, a strong strategic maritime build up has been evident since the beginning of 21st Century.  India entered the 21st century with a small but formidable regional naval posture. Govt of India took strong policy decisions to increase funding for warship construction in order to build ‘blue water’ capability for the Indian Navy. This was facilitated by India’s strong economic performance in the last two decades.

Indian Navy is the key instrument of power for India as emerging Super Power.  A strong and professional Blue water Navy can contribute   to   power projection,   within the Indo-Pacific Region and  the  world. The Indian Navy with its current professionalism and future plans has the potential to enhance Indian image as a super power, in the future.  The Indian Navy has created   a niche for itself by   exhibiting its   professionalism and contributions towards nation building. The grateful nation acknowledges it with standing applause and salutes the Sea Warriors on the NAVY DAY-04 December.

Courtesy: https://defenceinfo.com/indian-navy-the-guardians-of-the-indian-ocean/

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About the Author

Maj Gen CP Singh (Retd.)

is Geo-strategic Analyst and Columnist.

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The Modernization of the Indian Navy

New Horizons

Introduction

The modernization of the Indian Navy represents a compelling narrative of strategic foresight, technological advancement, and the pursuit of maritime security in the 21st century. Over the decades, India has undertaken an ambitious journey to transform its navy into a formidable force, capable of safeguarding its maritime interests and projecting power across the Indian Ocean region. This essay explores the modernization efforts of the Indian Navy, highlighting key milestones and the evolving naval landscape.

Historical Context (Post-Independence)

India's naval journey began shortly after gaining independence in 1947. Initially, the Indian Navy inherited a modest fleet of British-era vessels. However, recognizing the importance of maritime security and strategic interests in a region surrounded by vast oceans, India commenced its naval modernization efforts.

Formative Years and Foreign Acquisitions (1950s-1970s)

During the early years of independence, India relied on foreign acquisitions to bolster its naval capabilities. Notable acquisitions included warships from the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union. These acquisitions allowed the Indian Navy to expand its operational reach and maritime surveillance capabilities.

Naval Shipbuilding and Indigenous Programs (1980s-1990s)

The 1980s marked a turning point in India's naval modernization strategy, with a growing emphasis on indigenous shipbuilding and technology development. The establishment of the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) played a crucial role in constructing and upgrading naval vessels within the country.

One of the most significant achievements during this period was the commissioning of the INS Shivalik, the first indigenous stealth frigate, in 2003. This marked India's foray into designing and building sophisticated warships within its borders.

Submarine Development and Expansion (2000s-present)

Submarines have been a vital component of India's naval modernization. The Indian Navy has successfully developed the Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and the Scorpene-class diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs) under the "Make in India" initiative. These developments have bolstered India's underwater warfare capabilities and provided a credible second-strike nuclear deterrent.

Expanding Naval Fleet (2000s-present)

India's naval fleet has experienced a significant expansion with the introduction of modern warships and aircraft carriers. The acquisition of the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and the ongoing construction of the indigenously built INS Vikrant mark India's commitment to blue-water capabilities. Additionally, guided-missile destroyers, frigates, and patrol vessels have been added to the fleet, enhancing its capabilities in maritime security and power projection.

Enhanced Maritime Surveillance and Domain Awareness

India has invested in state-of-the-art technology for maritime surveillance and domain awareness, including long-range maritime patrol aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and a network of coastal radar stations. This infrastructure strengthens India's ability to monitor and secure its vast maritime interests.

Geopolitical Significance and Regional Cooperation

The modernization of the Indian Navy is not confined to national interests alone. It plays a vital role in maintaining stability and security in the Indian Ocean region. India has actively engaged in naval exercises and cooperation with regional and international partners, strengthening its diplomatic ties and contributing to the collective security of the seas.

The modernization of the Indian Navy stands as a testament to India's commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and contributing to regional security. The journey from foreign acquisitions to indigenous shipbuilding and the development of a robust submarine fleet has transformed the Indian Navy into a potent maritime force. As India continues to invest in cutting-edge technology, infrastructure, and naval assets, it is well-positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the evolving maritime domain in the 21st century. The modern Indian Navy is a symbol of India's commitment to maritime security and its aspiration to be a responsible global maritime player.

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The Indian Navy's Maritime Outlook: The Path Walked since Independence

2020, USI Journal CL/622 Oct to Dec 2020

It is an obvious fact to any student of history that India’s security lies on the Indian Ocean: that without a well-considered and effective naval policy, India’s position in the world will be weak, dependent on others, and her freedom at the mercy of any country capable of controlling the Indian Ocean. India’s future, therefore, is closely bound up with the strength she is able to develop gradually as a naval power”. These words of KM Panikkar’s, written around the time of independence, preordained the maritime activities of nations in the Indian Ocean like the withdrawal of the British, the entry of the US and Soviets, the gradual rise of India as a maritime power, and the entry of China into the Indian Ocean. Over the years, India’s relative position in terms of economy, military power, mode of governance, and good relations with most of its neighbours have aided India to be seen as a stable nation in what had once been termed as ‘A Sea of Uncertainty’ or ’the stage for the new Great Game’. The Indian Navy (IN) has been central to the rise of India as a maritime power and is today the nation’s principal maritime agency with a wide ambit that covers all the four roles of any modern navy. The IN has evolved from a coastal force to a modern navy which has earned, in the IOR, the tag of ’first responder in the maritime domain’. The path travelled has not been easy and the IN owes its growth to the maritime vision of strategic thinks, both in and out of uniform, who have contributed immensely to its development. This article attempts to trace the path traversed since 1947 and place in perspective many issues that merit attention.

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sarabjeet parmar

Maritime Research Working Group. Schools of Maritime Thought: Perspectives from Six Nations

As part of its maritime engagements at the track 1.5 level, the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) was part of the Maritime Research Working Group (MRWG) organised by the Sea Power Centre, Australia (SPC-A), with which the NMF has an MoU. The MRWG was tasked to highlight national maritime outlooks. This paper authored by Captain Sarabjeet S Parmar, Senior Fellow, examines and place in perspective the Indian narrative of the maritime outlook of India since 1947, through the evolution and rise of the Indian Navy (IN) as the ‘principal manifestation of India’s maritime power’. The paper seeks to decipher the term Maritime Power and India’s Maritime Interests; follows the trajectory of the IN since 1947, and analyses factors that guided and impacted the evolution of India’s maritime outlook and the IN since the last years of World War II; the recognition of India as a maritime power and the requisite mix of ‘Continentality-Maritimity’ equation; and the strengthening of India’s internal strategic maritime outlook via doctrine and strategy documents and organisational changes. The paper was first published as the first chapter of the book titled ‘Schools of Maritime Thought: Perspectives from Six Nations’, a product of the MRWG, and released on 12 May 2022 as part of the first annual MRWG meeting on the side-lines of the Sea Power Conference 2022 organised by the Royal Australian Navy.

gurpreet khurana

In the coming years, India’s maritime-military power is likely to play an increasingly crucial role in shaping the geo-political, economic and security environment in the maritime-configured Indo-Pacific region. This paper aims to analyse India’s maritime security strategy promulgated by the Indian Navy in October 2015. The analysis goes beyond the text of the document, to provide a more profound understanding of four key underpinnings of India’s strategy: historical and societal factors, maritime geography, political geography/jurisdiction and the China factor. The analysis begins with examining the salient changes in India’s maritime-strategic outlook since its first strategy document was published in 2007.

Raghavendra Mishra

This book chapter coauthored with former Indian Navy Chief, Admiral Sureesh Mehta, seeks to examine as to why the Indian maritime strategic outlook needs to extend beyond the traditional boundaries of the Indian Ocean. In this regard, the emerging geography of Indo-Pacific is posited as an alternate for India’s strategic interests.

Abhijit Singh

Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, maritime Asia has been witnessing a strengthening of military postures. The worsening security environment in South and Southeast Asia has led maritime forces to bolster combat inventories and revisit deployment strategies. As a regionally dominant force, the Indian Navy has sought to position itself as a key security provider in the Indian Ocean. But the expansion of its regional security agenda has also highlighted dire predicaments in the framing of India's maritime military strategy

Athena (ISSN: 2454-1605)

The Western Indian Ocean is a maritime gateway to Europe and North America from Asia. Consisting of the African littoral states, the region has an abundance of rare-earth materials and energy resources. The vital chokepoints and SLOCs in the region make it an important Exclusive Economic Zone. India's presence in the region can be traced to the medieval period when its traders used these sea routes for trade with the Arabs and Persia. But this maritime contact gradually eroded under the British Empire. Post-independence, India's maritime policy remained largely inward and continental. It was after the change of the century that India realized the importance of the maritime domain in its strategic doctrine. The growing Chinese presence, energy security, and the protection of the SLOCs in the Indian Ocean Region contributed to this policy reorientation. Since the last decade, India has attempted to enhance cooperation with the Western Indian Ocean littorals, situated either near or at the chokepoints. India has been actively involved in the region through HADR, SAR, and anti-piracy operations. The African Ocean Rim littorals also regard India as a dependable security partner. In some cases, India has established itself as a security guarantor, as is arguably the case with Mauritius and the Maldives. There is also the possibility of broader cooperation with like-minded partners like France and Japan to counter China in the region. In this context, the paper looks into India's active participation in the region, under its broader Indian Ocean policy, to fulfill its aspiration of emerging as a great power.

Vivek Mishra

Himanil Raina

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Indian Navy: An ‘Atmanirbhar’ journey from 1960s to 2020s

The Indian Navy has become increasingly self-reliant and strong

Everyone wants to be strong and self-sufficient, but few are willing to put in the work necessary to achieve worthy goals. – Mahatma Gandhi

While India gained its independence on August 15, 1947, the seeds of an Indianised Navy were sown way before in January 1947 by a British citizen, Patrick Blackett. A renowned British physicist who had pioneered naval operational research in the British Navy during the Second World War, Blackett prepared a report outlining measures necessary for India to become near self-sufficient in defence production. While Blackett correctly assessed self-reliance as key to maintaining strategic autonomy in terms of foreign policy, ably supported by a strong industrial base, his analysis of requiring 18 months to achieve it did not prove true.

The journey towards self-reliance has been long and arduous, impacted by financial limitations, international sanctions and global politics. Yet, the Indian Navy has remained steadfast in this mission. Taking a cue from what Dr A.P.J. Kalam had once said, the dream to achieve self-reliance in all aspects of maritime operations was one which did not let the Navy’s leadership to ever sleep. The commitment was espoused even at the individual level as much as it was ingrained into the very ethos of the organisation. Notwithstanding the considerable challenges, such an attitude ensured continuous investment of two key elements―first being the financial capital and second the human capital, which enabled steady improvement and positive outcomes. The unique involvement of the Navy, both, as the vendor as well as the buyer, enabled a progressive model of indigenisation to be successfully implemented.

Anyone who has spent time at sea will vouch that, in addition to ‘the proverbial enemy’, there is another threat which permeates across peace and war, and that is the sea itself. A deadly mix of salt, water, multi-dimensional motion, oil, ammunition and electricity, all packed into a box of steel, makes routine tasks difficult and the difficult, nearly impossible. While hulls can be strengthened with better steel and engines made more powerful, making electronic systems operate reliably in such hostile environment is exponentially more complicated. It is, therefore, no surprise that unlike the float and move components, which saw early success, the journey to achieve self-reliance in terms of fight component has been relatively arduous. The Navy persevered, and like the confrontation between the stream and the rock, which the stream always wins―determination, professionalism and self-confidence has now resulted in success.

The first major step on this path was when the Navy took a decision to move away from analog systems, already fitted on the first Leander class ship, to digital systems manufactured by the Dutch company, Signaal for subsequent ships. Despite objections from the ship-builder from some quarters within the Navy, the higher leadership was able to discern the long terms advantages, and pushed ahead. This culminated in an agreement between Signaal of Holland and Bharat Electronics (BEL), Bengaluru, which has enabled the latter to subsequently manufacture radar systems like APARNA, LW-08 and DA-08. These systems remained the mainstay of Naval radar systems for years, and BEL (Bangalore) has now achieved adequate capability to supply one of the world’s most advanced radar systems―MF-STAR, for the next generation of naval frigates.

The Indian Navy has also achieved self-reliance in terms of technology as well as manufacturing in the niche field of sonar systems. This was made possible by a synergetic relationship between the Navy, Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a premier DRDO laboratory dealing with underwater acoustics and M/s BEL (production agency). The difficulties in making western-origin sonars work in tropical waters and rapid advancement in technologies convinced the Navy to indigenise underwater sensors. The journey, which started in 1976, was excruciating, but bold decisions at the highest level helped the Navy navigate this project through difficult waters. Facilitating the participation of highly specialised individuals, alongside teams from DRDO and the academia, all driven by a shared single-minded focus resulted in the development of APSOH, an indigenously designed, developed and manufactured world class sonar. Since then, every Indian Naval ship has been fitted with indigenous sonars, comparable with sonars operated by leading navies of the world, which have been built on the efforts of this initial team.

Amongst all the components on a warship, Electronic Warfare (EW) systems and Computer Aided Action Information Organisation Systems (CAAIO) function at the very cutting edge of technology. Thus, while leading firms are ever ready to sell these systems, they remain unwilling to share the technologies within. Considering the complex technologies involved, a staged development model was adopted by the Navy for both these systems. While the first set of systems, such as Ajanta and EMCCA, were satisfactory, subsequent generations of these systems have surpassed expectations. Today, all newly inducted assets employ indigenously built Combat Management Systems (CMS) and large ship EW Systems which are comparable, if not better, than what is available worldwide.

Amongst this, the indigenous CMS program is of particular pride to the Navy due to the significant participation of the private sector, the crowning glory being successful development of CMS for the indigenous aircraft carrier by M/s Tata Power (SED). A focussed approach towards enhancing private sector participation has yielded rich dividends with M/s Larsen &Toubro supplying the Indigenous Torpedo Tube Launchers, Indigenous Rocket Launcher and Universal Vertical Launch Systems. The development of niche technologies is today no longer the forte of the so-called big boys. MSMEs, based on experience gained by working alongside the Navy, have also made a mark by winning international contracts, beating global giants in the process.

The Navy has also been at the forefront in initiating ground breaking projects through the inter-governmental joint-development model. The BrahMos Aerospace venture between India and Russia, set up in 1998, was able to deliver a supersonic anti-ship missile within just five years. Repeated success has proven this missile’s game-changing credentials and BrahMos is today the standard fit onboard IN ships. The induction of Barak-8 systems into the Navy, commencing with the indigenously built Kolkata class ships in 2014, has been a game changer in terms of air-defence capabilities.

When the Honourable Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, announced an embargo on import of over 100 weapons and platforms, there was worry in certain quarters regarding its impact on the Armed Forces’ capability enhancement plans. Yet, a quick perusal of the list actually reveals the triumph of the Indian Navy’s indigenisation program. The sustained efforts to attain self-reliance over the past six decades has ensured that, the Navy’s plans, as enunciated in its Maritime Capability Perspective Plan, remain on track. Though there remains a need to enhance participation of the private sector, there is no denying the lead that the Navy has towards Be Indian, Buy Indian. One of the foremost examples of the Indian Navy’s indigenisation is undoubtedly the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-1 (IAC-1) being built at Cochin Shipyard Ltd. The IAC-1 has provided direct employment to the shipyard, MSMEs and has ploughed back most of its budget back into the country’s economy. The Navy is also keen to similarly construct IAC-2, which will not only give a boost to the economy, but also ensure that two Carrier Battle Groups are continuously available.

The geo-political churn in the Indian Ocean Region and growing presence of external maritime forces has significantly enhanced the challenges faced by India in the maritime domain, which could also consequently impact economic growth. The desire to be Atmanirbhar, ingrained into its very DNA, has enabled the Indian Navy to become increasingly self-reliant yet strong―strong enough to be rated as the fifth most powerful Navy in the World by the Lowy Institute Asia Power Index 2020. However, less than adequate capital investment in the Navy may see a steady erosion of this carefully nurtured indigenous manufacturing capability. With Ministry of Defence taking a lead in the Atmanirbhar initiative, it is imperative that the Government continues to support the Navy and in turn, the indigenous industry, to ensure greater success in our national mission to achieve comprehensive self-reliance.

Captain Deepak Nair is a serving Indian Naval Officer presently posted at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and has keen interest in niche military technologies

The contents of this article are the personal views of the author and do not represent official position of the Indian Navy or the Government of India

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Essay on Indian Navy

Students are often asked to write an essay on Indian Navy in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Indian Navy

The indian navy: an overview.

The Indian Navy is a crucial part of India’s armed forces. Established on December 4, 1947, it ensures the nation’s security by patrolling the vast coastline.

Role and Importance

The Navy’s main role is to safeguard India’s maritime borders. It also conducts humanitarian missions like disaster relief.

The Indian Navy’s structure includes the Western, Eastern, and Southern Naval Commands. It has a diverse fleet of ships, submarines, and aircraft.

Significance

The Indian Navy plays a significant role in maintaining peace and stability, contributing to India’s overall growth and security.

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250 Words Essay on Indian Navy

Introduction.

The Indian Navy, an integral part of India’s armed forces, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders. Established on December 4, 1612, it has evolved into a formidable force that ensures peace and stability in the surrounding waters.

The Indian Navy’s primary role is to secure the nation’s maritime borders. However, its responsibilities extend beyond this, including disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and safeguarding India’s maritime trade, which constitutes over 90% of the country’s total trade. The Navy also projects India’s soft power abroad, fostering diplomatic relations via goodwill visits.

Structure and Organization

The Indian Navy is structured into three commands: Western, Eastern, and Southern, each headed by a Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief. The Navy’s assets comprise a mix of indigenous and foreign vessels, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and various types of warships.

Modernization and Indigenous Development

In recent years, the Indian Navy has embarked on a path of modernization and indigenization. Projects like the INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, and the Arihant-class nuclear-powered submarines, are testament to India’s growing self-reliance in naval technology.

The Indian Navy, as a guardian of India’s maritime borders and interests, has a vital role in ensuring national security and economic prosperity. Its ongoing modernization and indigenization efforts are a reflection of India’s aspiration to be a significant maritime power. The Navy’s commitment to duty, valor, and patriotism continues to inspire millions and contributes significantly to the nation’s pride.

500 Words Essay on Indian Navy

The Indian Navy, a vital component of the Indian Armed Forces, has played a significant role in securing the nation’s maritime frontiers, enhancing India’s international relations, and maintaining peace and stability in the region. The Navy’s history is a testament to its resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s defense.

Historical Background

The Indian Navy’s origins can be traced back to 1612 when the East India Company established marine forces to protect their merchant ships. Post-independence, the Indian Navy has grown exponentially, evolving from a small force with obsolete vessels into a formidable maritime force. Key events such as the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 underscore the Navy’s strategic importance, with operations like Operation Trident marking significant victories for India.

The Indian Navy’s structure is hierarchical, with the President of India as the Supreme Commander. The operational and administrative control lies with the Chief of Naval Staff, a four-star officer in the rank of Admiral. The Navy is divided into three commands: the Western, Eastern, and Southern Naval Command, each headed by a Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief.

Modernization and Technological Advancements

The Indian Navy has been consistently modernizing its fleet and enhancing its capabilities. From the acquisition of advanced submarines and aircraft carriers to the development of indigenous warships and nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, the Navy has made significant strides. The Navy’s focus on indigenization, particularly through projects like the ‘Make in India’ initiative, reflects its commitment to self-reliance.

Role in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Efforts

Beyond its combat role, the Indian Navy has been instrumental in disaster management and humanitarian aid, both domestically and internationally. Noteworthy operations include rescue missions during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and relief efforts during the 2015 Nepal earthquake. These endeavors underline the Navy’s role in fostering goodwill and cooperation.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its achievements, the Indian Navy faces challenges such as budget constraints, delays in shipbuilding, and the need for technological upgradation. Addressing these issues is crucial for the Navy to maintain its operational readiness and strategic edge. Looking ahead, the focus is likely to be on enhancing maritime capabilities, strengthening regional partnerships, and promoting maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Indian Navy, with its well-defined roles and responsibilities, continues to be a pillar of India’s defense strategy. Through its commitment to modernization, indigenization, and humanitarian efforts, it has demonstrated its relevance and adaptability. As India navigates the complexities of the 21st century, the Indian Navy’s role will undoubtedly continue to be of paramount importance, reinforcing India’s position in the global maritime domain.

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569 Words essay on The Indian Navy

The Indian Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of India. With 55,000 men and women, including 5,000 naval aviation personnel and 2,000 Marine Commandos (MARCOS), it is the world’s fifth largest navy. The Indian Navy currently operates more than 155 vessels, including the aircraft carrier INS Viraat.

India uses its navy to enhance its international relations through joint exercises, port visits, and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief. The Indian Navy is increasing its capabilities as a true blue-water navy; the Indian Navy’s doctrine states that this is for the collective good of nations.

The Indian Navy sees several principal roles for itself:

· In conjunction with other armed forces of the union, act to deter or defeat any threats or aggression against the territory, people or maritime interests of India, both in war and peace;

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· Project influence in India’s maritime area of interest, to further the nation’s political, economic and security objectives;

· In cooperation with the Indian Coast Guard, ensure good order and stability in India’s maritime zones of responsibility.

· Provide maritime assistance (including disaster relief) in India’s maritime neighborhood.

· To play a key role as part of ‘a pluralistic security order’ for a better world.

The Indian Navy is well known to provide emergency relief to the marooned due to natural cause or conflicts in and around the Indian Ocean.

Each of the three Naval Commands has an active Flag Officer Commanding in Chief. The commander of the Navy is the Chief of Naval staff (CNS).

The Indian Navy is divided into the following broad Categories:

• Administration

• Logistics and Material

• The Fleets

• The Naval Aviation

• The Submarine Arm

The Marine Commando Force (MCF) known as MARCOS is a Special Forces unit that was raised by the Indian Navy in 1987. Modeled after the US Navy SEAL and the Royal Marines it was created to handle reconnaissance, raids and counter-terrorism in a maritime environment. The Indian Navy conducts naval exercises with friendly navies strengthening bilateral relationships with other navies and nations.

Some such exercises take place annually like the Exercise VARUNA with the French Navy, KONKAN with the British Royal Navy, INDRA with Russian Navy, MALABAR with the U.S. Navy, and SIMBEX with Republic of Singapore Navy. The Indian Navy also conducted exercise with the Chinese PLAN in 2003 and with various other navies.

India conducted TROPEX (Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercises) 2007 in which, the new doctrine of influencing the land and air battle in support of Indian Army and the Indian Air Force was validated . Indian Navy conducted naval exercise with JMSDF and U.S Navy in the Pacific and also exercised with Chinese Navy.

The Indian Navy regularly conducts adventure expeditions, the most remarkable among the various adventures being the sailing ship and training vessel INS Tarangini circumnavigating of all the different ports belonging to different countries this was done intending to foster good relations with various other nations, she returned to India after visiting 36 ports in 18 nations. This helps to bridge gaps between nations and develop strong political and military relations.

The men in white are the ones responsible to safeguard coastal boundaries around India and are the very reason we sleep peacefully. Their never ending determination will always ensure a safe and bright future for India. No wonder there are a million Indians waiting to join the Indian Navy.

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India’s Middle Eastern Naval Diplomacy

Abhijit Singh

India's interests and capabilities extend well beyond the sub-continent. This essay is part of a series that explores the geopolitical dimensions, economic ties, transnational networks, and other aspects of India's links with the Middle East (West Asia) -- a region that plays a vital role in India's economy and its future.  More  ...  

India’s economic and commercial interests in West and Central Asia encompass an expanding and vast array of areas including trade, investment, energy security, migrant workers, counter-terrorism, littoral security, and the development and preservation of ocean resources. In assessing India’s Middle East policy, however, geopolitical analysts and regional watchers often see New Delhi as a benign actor that avoids security issues, choosing to focus more on its oil interests in the region. For many, India’s high levels of oil trade with the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (G.C.C.) — now at over $135 billion, up from $5.5 billion in 2001 — is a clear indication of New Delhi’s principal consideration of the Middle East as a reliable source of energy. India also appears focused on the issues surrounding its growing numbers of Indian workers in Gulf States, numbering over seven million, earning remittances of around $40 billion annually. [1] In all, political observers say, commercial calculations weigh heavy in India’s political outreach to the Middle East.

Yet, things are beginning to change fast. Apart from its central focus on oil interests, New Delhi is starting to think strategically about the Middle East, deepening security ties with Gulf States — sharing intelligence, creating security capacities, and fashioning joint strategies to combat littoral threats. Having assumed the role of a ‘net security provider’ in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Indian Navy has moved to secure the near and extended neighborhood, seeking an active expansion of operational presence in Arabian Sea. [2] Through regular presence operations and the provisioning of training and hydrographic support, the Indian navy has succeeded in forging close and friendly ties with maritime forces in the Gulf.

To a degree, the renewed emphasis on naval visits in the Gulf region stems from India’s need to protect the vital sea-lanes in the Western Indian Ocean. Indeed, since 2008, when piracy levels in the Gulf of Aden spiked, the involvement of Indian Naval in anti-piracy duties, as well as its interaction with regional navies rose significantly. [3] New Delhi has also been worried about the rise of militant forces in the Middle East, leading to a greater Indian naval operations in ensuring the security of the regional sea-lanes. The need to effectively tackle emerging non-traditional challenges, such as armed robbery, drugs / human trafficking, illegal fishing, and maritime terrorism in the Western Indian Ocean has resulted in greater capacity-building assistance, allowing regional maritime forces to combat criminal activities in the North Western Arabian Sea.

India’s Indian Ocean Diplomacy

India’s recent naval diplomatic forays in the Middle East are part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen maritime cooperation across the Asian littorals. Since 2007, when it codified the concept of maritime diplomacy, the Indian Navy (IN) has not only expanded its engagement with Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian navies but has also built “bridges of friendship” through regular ship visits to countries along the Indian Ocean rim. This includes Iran and the Israel that Indian naval ships have regularly visited, carrying out bilateral exercises.

Since 2008, the Navy has consciously nurtured its relationships in the Arabian Sea. Apart from collaborating with regional navies in anti-piracy duties, the Indian navy has played an important role in supporting and training G.C.C. maritime forces. Through defense cooperation memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and joint committees on defense cooperation, India has substantially enhanced its exchanges in maritime training, operational exercises, and information sharing with Arab Gulf navies — many of them members of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), an initiative pioneered by the Indian Navy.

The naval engagement with Oman has been most notable. While India and Oman entered into a “strategic partnership” in 2008, naval cooperation has been on since 1993 in the form of a biennial exercise, Naseem Al-Bahr. [4] India has provided naval training and hydrographic support to Oman, while Omani ships have been regular visitors at Indian ports. More significantly, Oman has played a key role in sustaining India’s security efforts in the Gulf of Aden by offering berthing and replenishment facilities to naval ships, and hosting a crucial listening post in the Western Indian Ocean. [5] With a new super-port project at Duqm nearing completion, Oman is poised to transform the maritime geopolitics of the Arabian Sea. [6] Its growing strategic potential has led New Delhi to cultivate stronger maritime ties with Muscat.

Even with the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the naval relationship has been robust. Since 2012, Indian naval ships have regularly visited Sunni Gulf States. In February 2017, after an Indian Coast Guard ship visited Dubai port, Indian naval chief, Admiral Sunil Lanba, held extensive talks with the top brass of U.A.E.’s defense establishment, exploring ways to bolster the strategic partnership between the two navies. The talks focused on enhancing current level cooperation between naval forces of the two countries, and boosting overall strategic defense ties in the wake of the current security scenario in the region.

With Saudi Arabia too, the maritime outreach has been considerable. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2016, there was an agreement on strengthening maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean regions, as also to improve bilateral collaboration in humanitarian assistance and evacuation in natural disasters and conflict situations. [7] Meanwhile the Indian navy has moved to expand defense ties with Bahrain and Kuwait, through the signing of an MoU for deeper defense cooperation. In May 2016, Indian naval ships visited Manama in Bahrain, exercising with the Royal Bahrain Naval Force. A year earlier, Indian ships visited Doha, Qatar, sharing experiences of disaster management, anti-piracy, and counter-terrorism. In a clear indication of India’s desire for closer defense cooperation with U.A.E. and G.C.C. countries, New Delhi invited Shaykh Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the U.A.E. Armed Forces, to attend the Republic Day parade in January 2017. [8]

With most Middle Eastern states, defense relationships follow a pattern. Through defense cooperation agreements and cooperation committees, India has institutionalized its cooperation with regional navies, offering naval training, sharing best practices and critical domain information. It has helped that Gulf States are members of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), which has served as an ideal forum for giving effect to bilateral initiatives.

Strategic Imperatives

India’s ‘Link-West’ maritime policy is primarily driven by two considerations. The waterways of the Northern Indian Ocean are among the most important in the world, facilitating the export of large volumes of goods, oil and natural gas. India is a principal beneficiary of the trade and energy flows through the West Asian littorals. As mentioned above, the Middle East is also home to some seven million Indians, whose remittances contribute significantly to India’s economy. The sheer weight of market interaction and commercial exchanges with the Arab Gulf region amplifies its political significance, creating an urgent need for greater Indian naval presence in the region.

Importantly for India, the ongoing engagement with Arab navies has not been to the exclusion of a maritime relationship with Iran. Since 2015, whenever an Indian contingent has visited the Middle East, one warship has visited Iran. The Iranian Navy, in the grip of a ‘siege’ mind-set, has been experiencing a radical psychological transformation. With a rapid rise in naval combat capability, the naval leadership has gained the confidence to be a regional maritime power. Iran has been on the lookout for new partners to support its naval agenda of establishing control over the Western approaches to the Gulf. India offers the most potential for such a partnership.

Indian naval planners recognize the conflicts in which Iran and Middle East monarchies have been involved in Yemen and other parts of West Asia. With a series of attacks on Gulf naval vessels by Houthi militia supported by Iran, the situation has indeed turned complex. India, however, has desisted from taking sides, emphasizing its desire to help regional navies jointly fight irregular threats in the region.

The determining factor for growing Indian naval forays in the Middle East, therefore, has been New Delhi’s need to preserve its strategic stakes in the Indian Ocean. With China’s continuing efforts to make strategic inroads in West Asia, India’s geopolitical influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has been slowly shrinking. Reports of a new Chinese naval base in Djibouti, growing submarine visits, and a spurt in Beijing’s maritime military activities in the Western Indian Ocean have created concern in India’s security establishment. The nature of the PLA Navy’s recent submarine forays suggests a Chinese aspiration for strategic presence in the IOR.  For the Indian Navy, therefore, interaction with Gulf navies is a measure aimed at retaining Indian influence in the IOR, much as it has sought to assure its partners of the commitment to strengthening maritime security in the Northern Indian Ocean region.

The Problem of Pakistan and Iran

Despite the expanding scope of maritime interaction, there appear to be limits to how far New Delhi can raise its Middle Eastern security profile. Many Sunni Gulf states have strong ties with Pakistan, and tend to support Islamabad on matters of security policy. [9] The Pakistan navy carries our regular exercises with Middle Eastern maritime forces [10] , and retired Pakistan Army Chief, Raheel Sharif, even leads a joint military alliance waging war with Houthi rebel forces in Yemen. [11] Meanwhile, significant differences exist on Iran, where India and Middle Eastern states have differing views of Tehran’s growing political influence in the Middle East. New Delhi has cultivated a productive bilateral relationship with Iran, offering to assist in the construction of the Chabahar port, a facility of geostrategic significance. Yet, New Delhi finds a certain reluctance on the part of Tehran to allow Indian naval presence in the Iranian port, presumably because of its use by Revolutionary Guards forces. [12] Meanwhile, India’s growing ties with Israel means there are limits to naval cooperation with Gulf States. To make matters more complicated, Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. are leading a political crusade against Qatar, on which New Delhi refuses to take a clear stand. [13]

Indian policymakers are clear that many Gulf States view the United States to be the indispensable security provider in the region. A few do not see the Indian navy as a major security player, in part because of New Delhi’s unwillingness to intervene militarily in the Gulf region. Despite much cooperation with the Indian Navy on matters of regional security, capacity building, training and even joint defense production, Arab navies are happy to limit their naval cooperation with India to matters of irregular security.

For Indian regional maritime aspirations to be realized, therefore, the Indian navy will need to project a more resolute intent in the Western Indian Ocean. The Indian navy’s remains seized of the political role of sea power, as a useful complement to its wartime uses. Notwithstanding the utility of maritime “soft power,” the IN must be prepared to showcase strategic capability. While it must be a reliable and supportive partner of regional maritime forces, and forge lasting relationships, the Indian navy must also be prepared to deter challenges to its strategic primacy.

For their part, India’s political leadership must realize the importance of ‘balance’ in its Middle Eastern relationships. By engaging G.C.C. navies through joint exercises, port calls, and training programs, the Indian navy has successfully created a durable template of maritime relations in the Western Indian Ocean. It may still not be the most powerful security presence, but its persistent and tireless endeavors have has burnished New Delhi’s credentials in the region as a reliable friend. India’s Gulf diplomacy, then, has been critical in rebalancing the strategic narrative to favor Indian interests.

[1] Kadira Pethiyagoda ,  “India-GCC Relations: Delhi’s Strategic Opportunity,” Brookings Doha Center Analysis Paper No. 18 (February 2017): 7.

[2]  “Indian Navy ‘Net Security Provider’ in Indian Ocean Region,”  Business Standard , February 14, 2017, accessed June 23, 2017,  http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/indian-navy-net-security-provider-in-indian-ocean-region-lanba-117021401447_1.html .

[3]  The Indian Navy (IN), “India’s anti-piracy operations , ” accessed June 23, 2017, https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/anti-piracy-operations .

[4] Sandeep Dikshit, “India, Oman to step up defense ties,”  The Hind u, November 10, 2008, accessed June 23, 2017,  http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/10/stories/2008111060821400.htm .

[5] Saurav Jha, “Naval Ties, Economic Interests Drive India’s Outreach to Oman,”  World Politics Review , January 7, 2015, accessed June 23, 2017,  http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/14799/naval-ties-economic-interests-drive-india-s-outreach-to-oman .

[6]  “Port of Duqm in Oman sets high targets of growth,”  Gulf News Shipping , November 1, 2014, accessed June 23, 2017, http://gulfnews.com/business/sectors/shipping/port-of-duqm-in-oman-sets…

[7]  Government of India, Press Information Bureau, Prime Minister's Office, “India-Saudi Arabia Joint Statement during the visit of Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia,” April 3, 2016, accessed June 23, 2017,  http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=138531 .

[8]  “UAE, India issue joint statement at the end of Mohammad Bin Zayed’s visit to India,”  Gulf News , January 26, 2017, accessed June 23, 2017,  http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/government/uae-in-india/uae-india-issue-joint-statement-at-the-end-of-mohammad-bin-zayed-s-visit-to-india-1.1968380 .

[9]  “India and Pakistan's evolving relationships with the Gulf,”  Strategic Comments Journal  22, 7 (2016), accessed June 23, 2017,  http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13567888.2016.1235351?journalCode=tstc20 .

[10]  “Saudi Arabia to take part in multi-national naval exercise in Pakistan,”  Gulf News , February 10, 2017, accessed June 23, 2017,  http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2017/02/10/Saudi-Arabia-to-take-part-in-multi-national-naval-exercise-in-Pakistan.html .

[11]  “Raheel Sharif departs for Riyadh to lead military alliance,”  The Dawn , April 21, 2017, accessed June 23, 2017,  https://www.dawn.com/news/1328349 .

[12] W.P.S. Sidhu, “India’s Chabahar conundrum,”  Live Mint , May 23, 2016, accessed June 23, 2017,  http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/NlnFBJGnWjG7xmMfJBG5gM/Indias-Chabahar-conundrum.html .

[13]  “Gulf states cut Qatar off, put India in a spot,”  Indian Express , June 6, 2017, accessed June 23, 2017, http://indianexpress.com/article/india/gulf-states-cut-qatar-off-put-in… .

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Two Russian-made warships set to join Indian Navy fleet by year end

Indian navy officials informed that the first warship is going to be named ins tushil while the other will be called ins tamal after commissioning..

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• India to get warships being built in Russia by 2024 end
• Two warships likely to be commissioned in August, December this year
• Warships to be named INS Tushil and INS Tamal respectively

The Indian Navy’s two warships being built in Russia are expected to be ready for commissioning by the end of this year after being delayed by over two years due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

An Indian Navy team from the Chief of Materiel Directorate was recently in Russia to oversee the project and visited the Russian shipyard where the frigates are being built to review the programme, defence officials informed India Today. "The work on the Tushil class warships is progressing at a good pace and the first warship has also been launched for sea trials being carried out by the Russian Navy. The two warships are likely to be commissioned by August and December this year respectively", Indian Navy officials said.

The first warship is going to be named INS Tushil while the other will be called INS Tamal after commissioning, they said.

As per the Navy officials, the ongoing conflict (Russia-Ukraine war) in the region has created many issues for the project like the fitment of the Ukrainian engine on the frigate being built in Russia as the workforce from Indian naval shipyards had to be sent there for fitting the engine on the warship. The first ship, off late, is now undergoing trials in Russian waters and is expected to be ready soon for delivery to the Indian Navy for acceptance trials and Indian warship team is expected to be there soon.

The other two warships of the series being built with Russian support at the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in India are also moving ahead at a good pace.