India is steadily working to build a stronger Navy with more than 200 warships and submarines by the year 2035. This Navy expansion is aimed at protecting the country’s wide coastline, trade routes, and interests in the ocean. With growing challenges from neighboring countries like China and Pakistan, India’s Navy is focusing on expanding its strength at sea, similar to how it secures its borders on land.
Navy Expansion to Strengthen Maritime Security
Currently, India’s Navy has about 140 warships, including 17 diesel-electric submarines and two nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. Out of the 17 diesel-electric submarines, many are very old. These outdated vessels are being replaced with newer and more advanced ships and submarines to ensure that the Navy expansion meets the country’s long-term security needs.
At present, the Navy is building 55 warships and submarines in Indian shipyards. These projects are worth nearly Rs 99,500 crore. Additionally, the government has given initial approval to construct 74 more warships and vessels worth around Rs 2.35 lakh crore. These include major projects such as nine diesel-electric submarines, seven advanced stealth frigates, eight anti-submarine warfare corvettes, and 12 mine countermeasure vessels. Contracts for these projects are expected to be signed soon.
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India is also planning to build four next-generation destroyers, each weighing about 10,000 tones. These powerful ships will help in tackling threats at sea. Another major plan includes constructing a second aircraft carrier after INS Vikrant, which will help the Navy expansion efforts by replacing its older aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya that was of Russian origin.
The Navy expansion is not only about defense. It is also helping the country’s economy. For every ship built, there is a multiplier effect of 1.8 times. This means that one job in a shipyard can create five to six more jobs in related industries. The shipbuilding industry is, therefore, an important part of India’s economic growth.
Naval Expansion Amid Growing Regional Challenges
The Indian Navy’s expansion comes at a time when maritime security has become crucial. China, which already has the world’s largest Navy with around 370 warships and submarines, is expanding its presence in the Indian Ocean. China is setting up bases and refueling stations in countries like Djibouti in Africa, Karachi and Gwadar in Pakistan, and Ream in Cambodia. These facilities allow China to operate more easily in the region.
At the same time, Pakistan is also enhancing its naval power with help from China. Pakistan plans to receive eight advanced diesel-electric submarines that use air-independent propulsion (AIP), which allows them to stay underwater for longer periods. These submarines, known as the Yuan or Hangor-class, will give Pakistan’s Navy a significant boost in underwater warfare.
Currently, Pakistan’s Navy has five older submarines of the Agosta-class. The addition of the new submarines will increase its ability to deny sea access to opponents. This development has raised concerns in India, especially because many of its own submarines are outdated. The government sees Navy expansion as an urgent step to balance these growing regional threats.
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To address this challenge, India is now negotiating to build six new diesel-electric submarines with AIP and land-attack cruise missiles. Mazagon Docks Limited is planning these submarines in partnership with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The two sides estimate the deal will be worth over Rs 70,000 crore.
However, some submarine projects are still facing hurdles. For example, the authorities have stalled plans to build three more submarines of French-origin Scorpene-class at Mazagon Docks, which would have cost more than Rs 32,000 crore. In addition to these, India’s existing fleet includes seven very old Russian Kilo-class submarines and four German HDW submarines.
Navy Expansion through Indigenous Projects and Economic Growth
India is focusing on designing and building its naval vessels within the country. Along with the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council— the US, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom—India is one of the very few nations that can now design, build, and operate aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines. This effort is central to the Navy expansion strategy.
The Navy’s self-reliance is being supported by major investments and planning. Indigenous construction is not only helping reduce dependence on foreign suppliers but is also boosting local industries, technology development, and job creation. Such efforts form the backbone of India’s Navy expansion.
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Currently, the Navy also operates more than 250 aircraft and helicopters used for surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and combat operations. As older ships are retired, plans are in place to expand the fleet to over 200 warships and submarines and 350 naval aircraft and helicopters by the next decade. Some experts even expect the total number of ships to reach 230 by 2037.
With these Navy expansion efforts, India is steadily preparing to secure its maritime borders and maintain peace in the region. At the same time, these projects are contributing to the country’s economy, providing jobs, and enhancing its defense capabilities in a strategic part of the world.