India is actively enhancing its naval capabilities to secure crucial sea lanes, protect its island territories, and effectively respond to China's ongoing expansion in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This maritime focus signifies India's evolving role as a key security actor in the region.
The Indian Ocean is of immense significance to India, as nearly 90 percent of the country's trade by volume transits through maritime routes. Furthermore, around 80 percent of India's crude oil imports pass through this ocean. Critical chokepoints, such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Malacca Strait, directly impact India's economic security.
China maintains a substantial naval presence in the Indian Ocean. The country frequently deploys submarines, including nuclear-powered vessels, in the IOR. Additionally, it has established its first overseas military base in Djibouti and has developed or gained access to ports in Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), and Kyaukpyu (Myanmar), which enhances China's regional footprint.
China boasts the world's largest navy by ship count, with over 350 vessels, whereas India operates approximately 150 naval ships. The rapid pace of shipbuilding in China further strengthens its naval capabilities.
Despite the disparity in naval strength, India remains confident due to its strong geographic position in the Indian Ocean. Most Chinese naval vessels entering the IOR must navigate through narrow chokepoints that are closely monitored by India. Moreover, India brings decades of experience in blue-water naval operations.
India is taking significant steps to bolster its naval capabilities. The commissioning of INS Vikrant, its first indigenous aircraft carrier, is a landmark achievement. Additionally, India is expanding its submarine fleet under Project 75 and Project 75(I). The navy is also enhancing its maritime air power with P-8I patrol aircraft, modernizing shipyards, and increasing domestic defense production.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands play a strategic role as they overlook the Malacca Strait, a vital maritime trade route. India has improved airfields, naval facilities, and surveillance infrastructure in this region. The islands also host India's only tri-service command.
India's maritime strategy is supported by regular naval exercises, such as Malabar, which enhance interoperability with partner navies. Logistics agreements allow Indian vessels to access foreign bases for refueling and repairs, while information-sharing mechanisms improve the tracking of ships and submarines.
India’s maritime strategy is not solely focused on China. It also addresses challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and ensuring the safety of international shipping lanes.
Key challenges include the high costs associated with advanced naval platforms, lengthy construction timelines for warships and submarines, and the necessity to balance maritime priorities with land border security concerns.
India is gradually transitioning from a coastal defense-oriented posture to a broader regional security role, positioning itself as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean. A nation that secures its seas secures its sovereignty and prosperity.
Q1. Why is the Indian Ocean significant for India?
Answer: The Indian Ocean is crucial for India as nearly 90% of its trade and about 80% of crude oil imports pass through this region, influencing its economic security.
Q2. How does China maintain its naval presence in the Indian Ocean?
Answer: China regularly deploys submarines and has established a military base in Djibouti, enhancing its influence in the Indian Ocean with access to strategic ports.
Q3. How does India plan to strengthen its naval capabilities?
Answer: India is expanding its naval fleet through initiatives like Project 75 and has commissioned INS Vikrant, its first indigenous aircraft carrier, while boosting domestic defense production.
Q4. What role do the Andaman and Nicobar Islands play in India's strategy?
Answer: The islands are strategically located near the Malacca Strait, and India has enhanced facilities there to support its naval operations and regional security.
Q5. What are the main challenges faced by India's navy?
Answer: Major challenges include high costs of advanced naval platforms, long construction timelines for ships, and the need to balance maritime security with land border issues.
Question 1: What percentage of India's trade by volume moves through the Indian Ocean?
A) 50%
B) 70%
C) 90%
D) 100%
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: Which country has established a military base in Djibouti?
A) India
B) Russia
C) China
D) USA
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What is the name of India's first indigenous aircraft carrier?
A) INS Vikrant
B) INS Vikramaditya
C) INS Viraat
D) INS Arihant
Correct Answer: A
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