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India’s Ambitious Naval Expansion: Countering China in the Indian Ocean – Flaunt Post

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In a strategic move to bolster its blue-water naval capabilities and safeguard its extensive geostrategic interests, India is actively pursuing the acquisition of 68 warships and vessels, representing a substantial investment of approximately Rs 2 lakh crore. This ambitious project supports India’s larger goal of strengthening its maritime capabilities while fending off China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Currently, the Indian Navy has a sizable fleet of 132 vessels, 143 aircraft, and 130 helicopters. The Indian government has given preliminary approval, commonly referred to as “acceptance of necessity” (AoN), for the construction of a wide range of vessels within India’s boundaries in recognition of the significance of maintaining a modern and powerful naval force. In the upcoming years, construction is planned for eight next-generation corvettes, nine submarines, five survey vessels, and two multipurpose vessels. However, the path towards expanding the fleet is not without its obstacles. Financial limitations, gradual abandonment of aging ships, and slow shipyard building have all presented challenges. Despite these obstacles, the Indian Navy is dedicated to achieving a force strength of roughly 155 –160 warships by 2030.

India’s goals for its naval fleet are considerably more ambitious when looking beyond 2030. By 2035, it is planned to increase the fleet to at least 175 and potentially 200 warships. This growth is necessary, in the opinion of many, to provide reliable strategic reach, mobility, and flexibility, both within the IOR and in adjacent waters. A simultaneous rise in fighter aircraft, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and drones is required to support this effort. In order to assist naval operations and increase India’s maritime influence, these aviation resources are essential.

The growing maritime danger from China highlights the urgency of India’s efforts to expand its navy. To address logistical issues in the IOR and the larger Indo-Pacific area, the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) of China has been aggressively looking for new foreign locations. This tactic comes after the development of bases in Djibouti, Karachi, and Gwadar, Pakistan, as well as the probable inclusion of Ream, Cambodia. China’s naval capabilities have grown exponentially in recent years. With the induction of 150 warships over the past decade, projections suggest that the PLAN may reach an impressive 555 warships within the next five to six years. This includes plans for Chinese aircraft carriers to operate in the IOR, further solidifying China’s maritime presence.

Despite India’s ambitious intentions for naval growth, numerous problems still exist. Notably, the construction of a third aircraft carrier, which is expected to take more than ten years, is still awaiting initial approval by the Indian Navy. The building of a less substantial 45,000-tonne “repeat order” of INS Vikrant is now the main topic of discussion. This choice was made since the original INS Vikrant, which was launched a year ago, has not yet reached combat readiness despite having the potential to be a more powerful and economical 65,000-ton carrier.

The shrinking underwater combat arm is another urgent issue. The government is considering building three more Scorpene submarines of French origin at Mazagon Docks (MDL) as a result of delays in starting ‘Project 75-India’, which aims to build six cutting-edge diesel-electric submarines worth over Rs 42,000 crore. The six initial submarines, which cost more than Rs 23,000 crore to build, will be complemented by these additions.

Despite these difficulties, there have been some noteworthy advancements. Project-17A’s seven 6,670-ton stealth frigates, four of which were constructed at MDL and three at GRSE in Kolkata, are nearly finished. The total expenditure in this project is Rs. 45,000 crore, and deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2024 and 2026. The first two guided-missile destroyers, INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao were commissioned as part of the Rs 35,000 crore Project-15B at MDL. There are 61 other ships on order, and Imphal and Surat will soon join them. In addition, Hindustan Shipyard (HSL) has signed a contract for five 44,000-tonne fleet support ships valued at over Rs 19,000 crore; deliveries are expected to start in four years.

Additionally, the Cochin Shipyard is poised to embark on the construction of six cutting-edge missile vessels, with a budget of Rs 9,805 crore allocated for this ambitious project. These vessels are scheduled to begin their deliveries in March 2027. Furthermore, a fleet of 11 next-generation offshore patrol vessels, consisting of seven to be crafted at Goa Shipyard and four at GRSE, is in the pipeline. This significant undertaking, with an overall budget of Rs 9,781 crore, will commence deliveries starting September 2026.

Eventually, India’s ambitious plans for naval growth show a determined attempt to protect its maritime interests and balance China’s expanding influence in the IOR. Even if difficulties still exist, the Indian Navy’s dedication to modernisation and strategic expansion highlights its resolve to continue to be an effective maritime force in the years to come.

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Business

Vanessa Kirby Personifies Sarah Burton’s Givenchy at the Fall 2025 Show

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Vanessa Kirby made a striking appearance at Sarah Burton’s highly anticipated inaugural Givenchy runway show for Fall 2025, embodying the essence of the designer’s vision. As a longtime admirer of Burton’s work, the Fantastic Four: First Steps star was eager to witness the debut collection in Paris.

“I really wanted to be here in Paris for Sarah’s first show,” Kirby expressed with enthusiasm. “Sarah has been my favorite designer for years. I absolutely love everything she does—I think she’s a master. She designs clothes truly for women—always extraordinary, feline, and structured in a way that makes you feel so empowered.”

Having collaborated with Burton throughout her tenure at Alexander McQueen, Kirby’s presence at the show was a testament to their ongoing creative synergy. Dressed in a sleek black ensemble with sharp shoulders and a plunging V-neck, Kirby’s outfit embodied Burton’s signature aesthetic: a balance of strength and femininity. “The dress we chose felt very classic—the shape felt architectural and strong, but also daytime and relaxed,” she noted.

Following the intimate runway presentation, Kirby joined an exclusive gathering of fashion and film’s elite at a celebratory dinner honoring Burton’s Givenchy debut. Among the attendees were Rooney Mara, Gwendoline Christie, Raye, Alex Consani, and Yseult, all raising a toast to the designer’s new chapter.

Reflecting on the experience, Kirby shared her admiration for the energy of Paris Fashion Week. “I associate Paris with the amazing shows that happen every year. The shows themselves feel like a real reveal—seeing what Sarah has been working on for months for her first Givenchy collection. Everyone was so excited to see her vision.”

With Burton’s Givenchy era now officially underway, Kirby’s presence at the event was a fitting tribute to the designer’s ability to craft powerful, empowering fashion for the modern woman.

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Entertainment

Paris Fashion Week, Day Three: Poise and Manners in Motion

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The third day of Paris Fashion Week saw designers exploring the intricate relationship between gestures and clothing, emphasizing how fashion is not just about what we wear but also how we wear it. Collections from Tom Ford, Dries Van Noten, and Courrèges examined the power of poise, movement, and expression in shaping the narrative of style.

Tom Ford: Seductive Refinement

At Tom Ford, the runway exuded understated sensuality with structured silhouettes, slinky fabrics, and sharp tailoring. The collection celebrated the way garments move with the body, emphasizing controlled elegance and effortless allure. The balance between precision and fluidity played a key role in defining the brand’s signature poise.

Dries Van Noten: The Art of Subtle Motion

Dries Van Noten explored grace in everyday movements, showcasing fluid draping, asymmetry, and layered textures that interacted beautifully with body language. Models glided down the runway in sheer overlays, deconstructed tailoring, and muted tones, creating an atmosphere of quiet sophistication.

Courrèges: A Futuristic Take on Gesture

At Courrèges, the focus was on modern minimalism and futuristic silhouettes that adapted to movement. With high collars, sculptural cuts, and sleek monochromes, the collection emphasized how posture and poise can transform a garment. The interplay between rigid and flowing elements created a striking contrast, reinforcing the theme of fashion as an extension of personal expression.

Final Thoughts: Fashion as a Language of Movement

Day three of Paris Fashion Week proved that style is more than aesthetics—it’s about the way clothing interacts with the body and the world around it. From structured confidence at Tom Ford to fluid elegance at Dries Van Noten and futuristic sophistication at Courrèges, each collection redefined the poise and manners of fashion in its own unique way.

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Business

Rabanne Fall/Winter 2025: A 1960s Beauty Revival

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Rabanne’s Fall/Winter 2025 show was a glamorous throwback to 1960s Paris, with big bouffant hair and bold, smoky eyes dominating the runway. The iconic French-girl aesthetic was on full display, blending vintage inspiration with modern edge.

The Makeup: Statement Eyes & Subtle Rebellion

Rabanne Beauty’s creative director, Diane Kendal, crafted a striking yet effortless makeup look that channeled icons like Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve. Models wore slightly winged, waterline eyeliner and taupe-hued smoky eyeshadow, smudged across the lids and under the eyes for a soft but dramatic effect.

Kendal, known for pushing beauty boundaries, chose to highlight natural skin while focusing on bold eye makeup—a subtle rebellion against the typical all-over glam seen on high-fashion runways. This “done-yet-undone” style perfectly complemented Rabanne’s flamboyant fabrics, sparkles, and sequins.

Hair: The Return of the Bouffant

Fluffy, voluminous bouffants were the crowning statement of the show. The models’ teased, combed-back hair added a touch of vintage glamour, reinforcing the collection’s nostalgic yet playfully modern feel.

Rabanne’s Beauty Revolution

Rabanne Beauty continues to redefine makeup with gender-neutral, statement-making products. The runway featured some of its standout offerings, including:

Shimmer Bomb – An all-over glitter spray for an extra dose of Rabanne’s signature glitz.

Top Coat Mascara – A silver and gold formula that gave lashes a tinsel-like effect.

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