India Boosts Naval Power with New Fleet to Counter China in the Indian Ocean
New vessels mark a significant step as India seeks to enhance its maritime influence in the Asia Pacific.
India’s navy has expanded its fleet with the launch of a new submarine, destroyer, and frigate, signaling the country’s growing rivalry with China in the Asia Pacific.
During a commissioning ceremony in Mumbai on Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of the newly built vessels, emphasizing that India was “becoming a major maritime power of the world.” The country is increasingly positioning itself to compete with China for influence in South Asia and beyond.
“We are taking a big step toward preparing the navy for the challenges of this century,” Modi remarked during the event.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also spoke about the shift in global power dynamics, noting that the strategic focus, previously centered around the Atlantic Ocean, is now turning towards the Indian Ocean, making the region a hotspot for international rivalry.
In response to this growing competition, India is working to modernize its military, particularly its aging Soviet-era equipment, and boost its domestic defence capabilities.
In 2024, India’s Ministry of Defence reported spending a record $15 billion on domestic defence production, a 17% increase compared to the previous year. This investment is part of a broader effort to strengthen India’s naval fleet. The newly launched vessels were all constructed at India’s state-run shipyards.
“The commissioning of these three major naval combatants represents a significant leap in realizing India’s vision to become a global leader in defence manufacturing and maritime security,” Modi stated.
India is also looking to expand its naval fleet, with plans to increase its warship and submarine count from approximately 150 to 170 over the next decade.
In 2022, India launched its first domestically built aircraft carrier, a key milestone in countering China’s rapidly expanding naval fleet in the region.
However, despite Modi’s efforts to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, India remains one of the world’s largest arms importers. Russia continues to be a primary source of military hardware, though India has signed major arms deals with the United States, Israel, and Spain, among other countries.
India is also in negotiations with France for multibillion-dollar agreements to purchase Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines, further strengthening its defense capabilities.
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