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.