In recent years, the Indian Navy has been bolstering its submarine capabilities to counter potential threats, particularly from Chinese aggression in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It has intensified its surveillance and patrolling efforts to monitor and deter such incursions. An incident in February 2022 underscored this escalating competition, as an Indian Navy submarine successfully tracked a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine operating in the Indian Ocean. This incident highlighted the growing naval rivalry between the two powers in the region.
The evolving dynamics between Indian Navy submarines and Chinese aggression in the Indian Ocean reflect broader geopolitical tensions and strategic calculations at play in the region. Both countries are vying to assert influence and protect maritime interests, with the underwater domain emerging as a critical arena for naval competition and surveillance.
In the last week of March 2024, the Indian Navy achieved a significant milestone, deploying 11 conventional submarines to safeguard territorial waters—a feat not accomplished in three decades. Several Navy personnel, with up to 25 years of service, expressed elation at this development, marking a historic high-level simultaneous deployment. Historically, the Indian Navy has faced challenges on the submarine front, often dealing with submarines undergoing refits or repairs, limiting resources available for defence against intrusions. However, the Indian Navy has effectively utilized available resources to demonstrate operational efficiency, showcasing that operational effectiveness surpasses sheer numbers.
The Indian submarine arm last reached its peak strength in the early 1990s, with eight kilo-class submarines, four HDWs, and four Foxtrot submarines of Russian origin. Presently, India operates 16 conventional submarines, including five Scorpene-class (French), four HDWs (German), and seven kilo-class (Russian), with an additional Scorpene class awaiting commissioning.
The Scorpene submarines, being brand new, boast a higher availability ratio. Next are the German HDWs, recognised for their reliability and performance, expected to remain operational for another 10-15 years.
India currently possesses 150 warships and submarines as compared to China’s 350 warships. However, with the acquisition of two powerful indigenously-built aircraft carriers and a third one in the pipeline, India has presented itself as a strong rival to China’s influence in the Asian continent
Future of Indian Navy amid Chinese Aggression in Indian Ocean Region
India currently possesses 150 warships and submarines as compared to China’s 350 warships. However, with the acquisition of two powerful indigenously-built aircraft carriers and a third one in the pipeline, India has presented itself as a strong rival to China’s influence in the Asian continent. The Indian government has put in immense focus and shown their trust in Indian Navy being imperative as our country aspires to acquire an ambitious target of 175 to 200 warships by 2035 equipped with indigenous nuclear-powered submarines, frigates, and fighter jets with state-of-the-art technology, as part of its vision of becoming self-reliant in naval capabilities by 2047. There are over 50 ships and submarines under construction. India is also working on a war footing to acquire marine aircraft and carrier with the help of foreign allies.
India’s Progress in Bolstering Naval Strength
Despite the push for greater naval fleet assets, India has also been plagued by slower pace of construction, rapid withdrawal of older ships and budget constraints. As such, India is expected to reach a fleet 160 warships by 2030. India has two Indigenous Aircraft Carriers (IAC) – INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, launched last year. While INS Vikrant, which has a sophisticated air defence network and anti-ship missile systems, is preparing for being combat-ready, India is gearing up for a third 65000-tonne IAC with the name of INS Vishal.
India has also recently launched a new warship Mahendragiri, the seventh ship of Project 17A frigates series that boasts enhanced stealth features, advanced weapons, sensors, and platform management systems. Project 17A ships have been designed in-house by Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, the pioneer organisation for all warship design activities. Now, seven more stealth frigates will be created under Project 17A by the timeframe of 2024-2026. Apart from two frigates, all remaining 61 warships are being constructed in India. India also possesses 23 corvettes and 11 guided-missile destroyers – INS Mormugao being the latest to join the latter. Two more destroyers – INS Imphal and Surat will join the fleet expectedly by 2024.
Where Do We Stand in Competing with China?
China is expected to create over 550 warships in another five to six years, necessitating a stronger support for India from its foreign partners. China’s rising aggression has been a source of contention for not only India, but also other Asian countries like Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. Much of the territory in the South China is disputed as China lays claims to overcome logistical challenges and expand their diplomatic and economic interests.
China is expected to create over 550 warships in another five to six years, necessitating a stronger support for India from its foreign partners. China’s rising aggression has been a source of contention for not only India, but also other Asian countries like Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines
However, despite the large numbers of Chinese navy, it is said that the US Navy still has more firepower in comparison with a larger fleet of carriers and destroyers.
Summing Up
India’s naval forces are strategically positioning themselves to navigate the growing aggression by China in the Indian Ocean Region. To counter these challenges, they are focusing on modernising their fleet, enhancing submarine capabilities, strengthening maritime partnerships with like-minded nations, and expanding surveillance and patrolling efforts in the region. The future of India’s maritime defence will likely involve a continued emphasis on building a credible deterrence against potential threats, investing in advanced technologies, and fostering synergies with partner navies to uphold maritime security and stability. As China’s presence and influence in the Indian Ocean grow, the preparedness and vigilance of Indian Navy will be crucial in safeguarding national interests and maintaining a rules-based order in the region.
-The writer is a thinker, keen observer of domestic and global economic, geopolitical development trends and a change manager with more than two decades of corporate experience. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
