In Boosting India’s Sea Power with Self-Reliance
The Live Info Media
The Indian Navy is rapidly expanding and becoming more self-reliant, a strategy known as ‘Aatmanirbharbharta’. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi recently highlighted that the Navy is adding a new indigenous warship or submarine every 40 days on average. This push for self-reliance is not just a strategic necessity but an investment in India’s future security.
A Growing Fleet: The 2035 Goal
The Navy currently operates about 145 ships and submarines. Admiral Tripathi shared an ambitious goal: the Indian Navy aims to operate over 200 warships and submarines by 2035. To achieve this, all 52 ships currently on order are being built in Indian shipyards, showcasing a major commitment to domestic production. The ultimate aim is to make the entire force fully ‘aatmanirbhar’ by 2047, moving beyond just ships to focus on domestic components and technology.
Three Pillars of Maritime Strength
Admiral Tripathi defined the core of modern maritime power with three main pillars: self-reliance, synergy, and security. He emphasized that a country’s strength today is a mix of its military platforms and its industrial ecosystems, innovation chains, and information networks. For example, semiconductors are now as critical as submarines, and secure data links are as vital as secure sea lanes.
Partnerships Based on Principle
When it comes to international collaboration, the Indian Navy is focused on a “convergence of purpose and principle,” rather than just a temporary “alignment of convenience.” As India works to become a “Viksit Bharat” (developed country) by 2047, its partnerships will be guided by these principles. The goal is to translate India’s growing indigenous strength into a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime region, secured through sustained commitment and collective choice.
Beyond ‘Make in India’ to ‘Trust in India’
The focus on self-reliance has evolved. Admiral Tripathi noted that India’s approach is moving from ‘Make in India’ to ‘Trust in India,’ especially in the defense sector. This trust is built on tangible progress: India’s defense production has more than tripled over the last decade, crossing $18 billion (over Rs 1.5 lakh crore) last year.
The MAHASAGAR Vision
Finally, the Navy is putting into action India’s vision called MAHASAGAR, which stands for Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. This vision, announced by the Prime Minister for engagement with the Global South, is implemented at sea through practical steps like:
- Coordinated patrols and surveillance.
- Maritime domain awareness initiatives.
- Humanitarian assistance and rescue missions.
- Exercises that deepen trust and interoperability.
