India’s Maritime Power Shift: Can the Indian Navy Dominate the Indo-Pacific?

Manoj Ambat, Editor in Chief, Strategic Vanguard
Jul 6
3 min read

Updated: Jul 9

The Indo-Pacific: The New Global Chessboard

The Indo-Pacific has emerged as the world’s most contested maritime space. Stretching from the east coast of Africa to the western shores of the United States, this region sees over 60% of global trade passing through its sea lanes. Key chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca, Hormuz, and Bab-el-Mandeb serve as economic lifelines for global commerce.

As China militarizes its String of Pearls—a network of bases from Gwadar to Djibouti—nations like India, the US, Japan, and Australia have responded through strategic groupings like QUAD and AUKUS. The Indo-Pacific is no longer just a trade route—it’s the epicenter of future geopolitical conflict.

⚓ The Indian Navy’s Strategic Evolution

India’s Navy has transitioned from a coastal defense force to a blue-water navy with global ambitions. Guided by the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), the Indian Navy now serves not just as a military deterrent, but also a tool of diplomacy and humanitarian outreach.

Key advancements include:

Indigenous aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant
Nuclear-powered submarines (SSBNs and future SSNs)
Advanced maritime surveillance aircraft and UAVs
A focus on multi-domain warfare (space, cyber, and electronic)

🚢 Aircraft Carriers: Floating Fortresses of Power

India’s carrier fleet is growing rapidly. The INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant provide air superiority and extended reach across the Indian Ocean. The proposed INS Vishal, with EMALS and possible nuclear propulsion, represents India’s ambition to match global powers like the US and China.

While China’s Fujian-class and America’s Ford-class outmatch India in scale, India's carriers are ideally positioned to control choke points and project influence from East Africa to Southeast Asia.

🛳️ Submarines: The Silent Game Changers

India's undersea fleet may be modest, but it is strategically vital. The INS Arihant offers a credible second-strike nuclear capability, while diesel-electric Scorpene-class subs support sea denial and intelligence roles. With plans for six SSNs under way, India aims to boost its undersea endurance and stealth.

Yet, China’s edge is undeniable—with over 60 submarines including advanced Type-093/094 SSBNs. India must accelerate Project-75I and invest in next-gen underwater tech to maintain parity.

🌐 Naval Diplomacy: Expanding India’s Strategic Footprint

India’s maritime influence extends through port access agreements and military diplomacy. Key strategic outposts include:

Chabahar Port (Iran)
Duqm Port (Oman)
Reunion Island & Diego Garcia (via France and US)

India leads over 40 joint naval exercises annually, including MALABAR, INDRA, and bilateral missions with ASEAN. Humanitarian efforts—like Operation Rahat during the Yemen crisis—demonstrate India's role as a net security provider in the region.

🆚 The China Challenge

China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is now the largest in the world. Its presence in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and East Africa gives it strategic depth. The Fujian-class supercarriers, massive destroyer fleet, and anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) doctrine create a tough competitor.

India counters with:

The Andaman & Nicobar Command
Expanding maritime surveillance networks
Interoperability with QUAD navies

However, challenges remain—underfunding, slow procurement, and dependence on foreign systems threaten to undercut India’s momentum.

🚀 The Road Ahead: Can India Lead?

India has the potential to become the dominant naval power in the Indian Ocean Region. The vision includes:

A 200-ship fleet by 2030
Indigenous carrier and submarine programs
Integration of AI, unmanned systems, and ISR technologies

With its unique geography, diplomatic outreach, and growing capabilities, India is well-positioned to shape the future of the Indo-Pacific. But it must act with urgency, coherence, and clarity of purpose.

📢 Final Word

The Indo-Pacific is transforming—and India must decide if it will lead or merely participate. The Indian Navy is no longer just a line of defense—it is the frontline of India’s global ambitions.

👉 What do you think? Will India emerge as the true guardian of the Indo-Pacific?

Let us know in the comments below and share this post with fellow defense and strategy enthusiasts.