Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, a distinguished officer and Chief of the Naval Staff, has been steering various initiatives for solidifying India’s stature as a maritime power. In an exclusive interview with Raksha Anirveda, the Navy Chief spoke extensively about the Indian Navy’s steadfast endeavours to achieve self-reliance, modernise its capabilities, and foster global maritime partnerships, contributing to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.With extensive experience in operational and strategic roles, including commanding India’s Eastern Naval Command and holding diplomatic assignments abroad, Admiral Tripathi is working on a war footing to reinforce India’s position as a maritime power. Excerpts from the interview…
RA. Could you elaborate on your approach to achieving the Indian Navy’s vision to be a combat-ready, credible, and cohesive naval force, especially in the context of emerging global threats and regional security dynamics?
CNS. India has firmly set sail on an ambitious journey to become Viksit Bharat by 2047. This journey, catalysed by the seas, will witness an exponential expansion in India’s economic footprint and interests across the region and beyond. As the primary stakeholder in India’s maritime endeavours, the Indian Navy (IN) will ensure maritime security for our expanding interests globally, facilitating unhindered socio-economic growth. As India moves confidently into this future, despite challenges posed by global churn, there is a growing acknowledgment of our strategic autonomy and silent assertion of our role as a unifying force in a divided world.
In the rapidly evolving geostrategic, geopolitical, and geoeconomic landscape, India’s role and involvement are expanding significantly. As India grows in stature and capability to achieve its rightful place among nations, the scale and scope of national security challenges will increase correspondingly. Overcoming these challenges necessitates a well-equipped, technologically enabled, efficiently supported, modern, and large navy—a critical instrument of national power.
After completing 100 days in office, I issued guidance to the Navy in the form of Course to Steer-2024, which outlines my key priorities for the Indian Navy during my tenure. I am committed to building on my predecessors’ efforts to ensure that the Indian Navy remains a combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-ready Force.
To achieve this, the Navy aims to develop a well-balanced, multi-dimensional, networked force capable of delivering ordnance and effects across the spectrum of conflict. Our efforts span across all five operational domains:
- Space: Space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and battle-space transparency.
- Air: Both shore-based and integral naval aviation assets will focus on maritime surveillance, fleet air defence, maritime and shore strikes, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), special operations, Search and Rescue (SAR), intelligence gathering, and fleet logistics/communications. Platforms like Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighters (TEDBF), Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopters (DBMRH), and unmanned and autonomous systems with Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUMT) are on the horizon.
- Surface: Capabilities include three Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs), next-generation destroyers, long-range precision attack vectors, credible land-attack capabilities, and expeditionary platforms.
- Sub-Surface: To maintain credible deterrence, we seek a balanced mix of conventional submarines and nuclear-powered Submersible Ship Nuclear (SSNs). Meanwhile, Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBNs) will continue to constitute the most potent and reliable component of our nuclear triad.
- Cyber: Robust offensive and defensive cyber capabilities will serve as a force multiplier across domains.
“Team Navy is well-positioned to steer India’s maritime strategy, becoming a credible naval power and a responsible player in the IOR and beyond. We will provide assured maritime security to the nation’s expanding interests across the world”
While doing so, we also aim to achieve self-reliance. The Indian Navy has made an unequivocal commitment of becoming an Aatmanirbhar Force by 2047.
RA. How do you view the evolution of the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities to date, and what key achievements of the Indian Navy in recent years would you like to highlight?
CNS. The Indian Navy remains steadfast in its primary mission: protecting and promoting National Interests – Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow! We fulfil our diplomatic, constabulary, and benign roles to support national endeavours. The Navy recognises its responsibility in the region and continues to be the pillar of a combined ‘Force for Good.’
Operationally, our units are mission-deployed, ensuring robust surveillance and presence across areas of interest. Last year, our ships were deployed for over 6,200 days, submarines for about 700 days, and our aircraft logged nearly 50,000 hours. These deployments showcase credible presence while enabling us to fulfil our role as the Preferred Security Partner and First Responder in the region.
Over the past year, our units saved more than 400 lives and safely escorted nearly 100 lakh metric tonnes of cargo worth about $4.5 billion onboard approximately 250 vessels. Recent efforts include the timely rescue of nine crew members from the ill-fated tanker Prestige Falcon and MEDEVAC of Chinese and French nationals off Mumbai. Additionally, we provided Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Tanzania following Cyclone Hidaya and to Myanmar after Typhoon Yagi.
Our efforts in responding to landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, flooding in Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, and the evacuation of critically ill patients, including a three-day-old infant from Agatti Island, Lakshadweep, have been widely lauded.
In the Western Indian Ocean Region (IOR), we showcased our Iron Fist through decisive actions against maritime security incidents while extending the Velvet Glove by hosting around 50 countries for the historic MILAN Multilateral Exercise earlier this year. MILAN exemplified our ability to engage all sides equally, acting as a unifying force. It demonstrated that India is a Vishwa Mitra—a friend willing to partner with everyone for peace, progress, and prosperity.
On the defence cooperation front, we have operated and exercised with like-minded nations to build trust and interoperability. Deployments to the Pacific for exercises with the US and NATO forces as part of RIMPAC, and participation in the Russian Navy Day in St. Petersburg, underscore the IN’s global reach.
Looking ahead, Team Navy is well-positioned to steer India’s maritime strategy, becoming a credible naval power and a responsible player in the IOR and beyond.
RA. You have mentioned the importance of the Navy becoming a pillar of national development. Could you elaborate on the Navy’s role in India’s broader economic, industrial, and technological development, especially in areas such as coastal security, the maritime economy, shipbuilding, resource protection, and defence exports?
CNS. India’s GDP, by some estimates, could surpass the $26 trillion mark by 2047, reflecting nearly an eightfold increase from today. It is evident that an export-based economy will be the primary driver for achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. With 95 per cent of India’s trade by volume and 68 per cent by value currently sea-borne, ensuring free access to ports and secure sea lanes will remain vital to our economic prosperity.
“The Indian Navy has made an unequivocal commitment of becoming an Aatmanirbhar Force by 2047. In the financial year 2023-24, we achieved over 83 per cent domestic defence expenditure, exceeding the Ministry of Defence’s target”
Catalysed by the seas, India’s expanding economy necessitates the security of our interests across a much broader geography, accessible primarily by the oceans. This encompasses coastal security, protection of seaborne trade, safeguarding marine resources, and maintaining an overall stable and secure environment for economic growth.
Maritime security directly impacts trade, which, in turn, strengthens naval capabilities. A strong navy ensures maritime supremacy, protecting and boosting growing trade. This cyclical relationship, termed the “Virtuous Maritime Cycle” by Geoffrey Till in his seminal work on Sea Power, was foreseen and implemented by the Cholas, who executed their governance strategy based on this very concept centuries ago.
An aspiring India requires a robust and capable navy to realise its dream of becoming a developed nation—Viksit Bharat by 2047. The Indian Navy aims to develop a well-balanced, multi-dimensional networked force capable of delivering ordnance and effects across the spectrum of conflict. This includes indigenous platforms like aircraft carriers, next-generation warships, multi-mission deck-based air assets, unmanned platforms, and nuclear-powered as well as conventional submarines.
Our commitment to Aatmanirbharta underlines our evolution from a Buyer’s Navy to a Builder’s Navy, which not only enhances strategic autonomy but also spurs economic growth. According to the Economic Survey 2022-23, every rupee spent on shipbuilding generates ₹1.82 in circulation. With an estimated costing of ₹1.31 lakh crore, the Navy’s current order book is expected to inject approximately ₹2.38 lakh crore into the shipbuilding sector, fostering job creation and industrial growth.
For instance, the construction of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant involved approximately 500 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), creating employment for 12,000 people from ancillary industries and 2,000 shipyard employees, with an employment multiplier effect of 6.4.
“Through bold, affirmative, and decisive actions in the Western IOR and hosting the historic MILAN Multilateral Exercise, the Navy has shown the world that India is a ‘Vishwa Mitra’—a friend for peace, progress, and prosperity”
Regarding defence exports, India’s domestic defence industry, encouraged by government policies, has made significant strides. In the financial year 2023-24, India achieved its highest-ever defence exports, amounting to ₹21,083 crore (approximately $2.63 billion), marking a 32.5 per cent increase over the previous year. Defence exports have multiplied 30 times in the past decade, with India now supplying defence products to over 90 countries.
The Hon’ble Defence Minister has set an ambitious target of achieving ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2028-29. Collaborative efforts among the government, armed forces, domestic defence industries, and R&D agencies will undoubtedly establish India as a major defence manufacturing hub.
Thus, through steadfast commitment to safeguarding maritime interests and championing Aatmanirbharta, the Indian Navy is strengthening strategic self-reliance in defence while stimulating economic growth and industrial skilling, thereby propelling India towards Viksit Bharat.
RA. How do you view the importance of joint naval exercises and their contribution to the Indian Navy’s preparedness and collaborative efforts in addressing regional challenges?
CNS. Bilateral and multilateral exercises hold immense importance for the Indian Navy as they foster mutual trust, interoperability, and camaraderie with partner nations. These engagements build collective capabilities to tackle shared challenges such as piracy, terrorism, narcotics smuggling, and natural disasters. They also provide significant opportunities for professional exchanges, refining tactics, and adopting best practices.
Such collaborations ensure seamless integration with regional navies during crises, whether conducting humanitarian missions or joint patrolling to address emerging maritime security issues. These exercises enhance the combat readiness of the Indian Navy, preparing it for evolving threats in a dynamic maritime environment.
Over the years, the Indian Navy has participated in numerous bilateral and multilateral exercises such as INDRA, KONKAN, MALABAR, VARUNA, and MILAN, among others. These exercises have increased in complexity, scope, and scale, proving invaluable in enhancing combat skills and building interoperability.
In the past year alone, the Indian Navy participated in 15 bilateral/multilateral exercises, 32 Maritime Partnership Exercises, seven Coordinated Patrols, and six EEZ surveillance missions. Such operational endeavours ensure Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), fulfilling India’s vision of collective maritime security and development.
RA. With the rapid evolution of warfare technologies, how is the Indian Navy adapting to the latest developments, particularly in electronic warfare, communication systems, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
CNS. Considering the wide scope of your question, let me address each aspect individually.
Communication and Electronic Warfare
The Indian Navy’s journey in Electronic Warfare (EW) began in the 1960s and has consistently followed an indigenous approach. A sustained and planned impetus over decades has resulted in robust strategic collaboration with indigenous research and development (R&D) institutions and domestic industries. This synergised process ensures that the EW equipment inducted into the Navy is not only contemporary but also adequately supported by the latest technologies for superior performance and ease of maintenance.
“We are progressing 50 AI projects across domains like situational awareness, autonomous systems, and predictive maintenance. An Incubation Centre in Bengaluru works exclusively on AI, creating an ecosystem of partners for futuristic solutions”
At the same time, we are leveraging schemes like Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) to induct emerging technologies offered by MSMEs and start-ups. For example, our efforts to integrate AI in communications and EW are enabling effective data handling and deeper analysis, generating actionable intelligence for informed decision-making.
The induction of indigenous secure Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) has been pioneered by the IN, including the transition to secure joint communications. Other initiatives include utilising quantum-based technologies, such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems, to enhance the information security of our networks.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The Indian Navy is committed to harnessing advancements in AI to enhance combat capabilities and functional efficiency. Multiple steps have been taken to expedite the induction of AI into various domains while creating an ecosystem of MSMEs and private partners who understand naval requirements.
Currently, 50 AI projects are being progressed in fields such as situational awareness, natural language processing (NLP), autonomous systems, logistics modernisation, and predictive maintenance. Of these, 14 projects are being undertaken through the iDEX route. Additionally, we have established a Centre of Excellence at INS Valsura to build professional competence in AI and Big Data. Moreover, an Incubation Centre in Bengaluru focuses exclusively on AI and fosters an ecosystem of innovation.
Some futuristic AI solutions under development include Large Language Model (LLM) applications, autonomous vessels, smart ship solutions, and offline language translators.
RA. What role do you see indigenous defence technologies playing in your plans for the Navy’s modernisation?
CNS. The Indian Navy is steadfast in its pursuit of becoming an Aatmanirbhar Force by 2047, aligned with the government’s vision of self-reliance. As a frontrunner in Make in India initiatives, the Navy has made significant contributions to achieving self-reliance in defence production.
To date, over 132 ships have been built and commissioned in India. Over the last decade, an average of 65 per cent of the total expenditure has been focused on indigenous procurement. In FY 2023-24, the Navy achieved over 83 per cent domestic expenditure, surpassing the 80 per cent target of Ministry of Defence (MoD) for domestic defence spending.
On the combat capability front, the Navy has vigorously pursued the development of weapons, sensors, and equipment in close collaboration with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). For example, primary radars and critical air defence missiles for the P17B frigates are earmarked for development by DRDO. Smaller weapon systems are being procured from the domestic defence industry, including MSMEs and start-ups.
The Indian Navy was also the first service to conclude contracts under the iDEX scheme, including for 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote-Control Guns and firefighting robots. A Project Sanction Order was issued under the Make-II category for a Deep Sea Side Scan Towing Winch, recognising industry efforts to promote indigenous development.
Initiatives like Technology Development Fund (TDF) and SPRINT (Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through iDEX, NIIO, and TDAC) have significantly transformed the Navy’s technological capabilities. The maiden Swavlamban Seminar in July 2022, unveiled 75 Challenge Statements by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. In Swavlamban 2024, the autonomous vessel Matangi successfully completed a 1,500 km voyage from Mumbai to Tuticorin.
Over the years, 22 products worth ₹2,143 crore have received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) under the iDEX framework. More than 100 start-ups and MSMEs are now actively engaged in developing innovative technologies, many of which hold the potential to become global firsts.
In sum, the Indian Navy’s commitment to indigenisation and Aatmanirbharta is not only bolstering strategic autonomy but also stimulating economic growth, industrial skill development, and technological innovation—propelling India toward becoming a global defence powerhouse.
Raksha Anirveda's editorial desk team brings in the collective experience of creative professionals - a fine mix of senior copy editors, writers, proofreaders and designers. Working as a team, they continuously create, manage, and curate content to sustain the magazine's profile and reputation in line with market trends and achieve magazine's goal.
