India is using its navy not just for defense but to expand its influence across key maritime regions. Warships are now essential tools of diplomacy, ensuring that trade routes remain open and allies feel secure. From the Persian Gulf to the South China Sea, India is making its presence felt through naval diplomacy, sending strong messages to global rivals while strengthening ties with key partners.
In 2023-24 alone, the Indian Navy deployed its warships to 18 countries, conducting 221 naval missions that demonstrated growing military reach. These strategic moves highlight India’s determination to maintain regional stability, balance global power dynamics, and protect its vital economic interests. While China aggressively asserts control over the South China Sea, India is countering with well-planned naval diplomacy, making sure its voice is heard in global maritime affairs.
Naval Diplomacy Near Choke Points in Critical Waters
India’s navy is focused on two major areas: the Indo-Pacific and the Persian Gulf. The eastern fleet covers regions like the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea, where many countries are wary of China’s growing military activities. The western fleet safeguards the Persian Gulf, securing vital trade routes that power India’s economy. By ensuring stability in these waters, India is positioning itself as a trusted security partner.
In 2024, Indian warships visited ports in Oman, Iran, Bahrain, and the UAE, strengthening ties with Gulf nations. More importantly, India deployed 18 warships to critical chokepoints like the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, crucial routes for international shipping. These efforts fall under Operation Sankalp, India’s major naval mission aimed at protecting commercial vessels from rising security threats in the Red Sea.
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Beyond the Gulf, India has increased its naval diplomacy in Southeast Asia, reinforcing partnerships with countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines. In May 2024, warships INS Delhi and INS Shakti entered the South China Sea, sending a clear signal that India will not remain passive while regional tensions escalate. This move emphasized India’s commitment to a rules-based maritime order, challenging aggressive actions in contested waters.
Countering China’s Growing Influence
China’s expansion in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean has made it necessary for India to step up its naval diplomacy. Beijing has been deploying warships, militarized coast guard vessels, and research ships to assert dominance over key sea routes. India is pushing back by building stronger security ties with ASEAN nations, increasing joint naval exercises, and strengthening its presence in crucial waterways.
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One of the most significant naval initiatives is the India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT), which reached its 43rd edition in December 2024. This long-running operation reflects India’s enduring commitment to regional security. India has also boosted cooperation in the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s most critical trade corridors, by working closely with Malaysia and Singapore.
India’s growing ties with Vietnam and the Philippines, two nations that frequently clash with China over maritime disputes, further demonstrate its expanding influence. In December 2024, the visit of INS Kesari to Jakarta, along with high-level discussions between Indian and Indonesian naval commanders, underscored India’s **strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific**.
By strengthening military cooperation in contested waters, India is ensuring that no single power dominates the region. The Indian Navy’s presence is a direct challenge to Beijing’s unchecked expansion, proving that naval diplomacy is a key weapon in global power struggles.
Naval Diplomacy: Beyond Warships and Military Power
India’s naval strategy is not just about military presence—it is also about winning hearts and minds. By combining hard power with soft diplomacy, the Indian Navy is creating long-term partnerships in regions of strategic importance.
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For example, Indian warships have participated in International Yoga Day celebrations in Indonesia, strengthening cultural ties beyond military alliances. Naval training programs with Gulf and Southeast Asian nations have also improved India’s standing as a regional security provider. These efforts show that India’s naval diplomacy extends beyond warships—it is about building trust and influence.
Unlike the United States, which maintains formal military alliances in the Indo-Pacific, India’s approach is more flexible. By offering security cooperation without demanding rigid commitments, India keeps its strategic autonomy intact while deepening its role as a dependable regional leader.
Economic and Strategic Importance of Naval Diplomacy
India’s naval presence is not just about military strength—it is closely tied to its economic survival. Nearly 90% of India’s trade happens via the Indian Ocean, making safe sea routes a national priority. Any disruption in these waters could have devastating consequences for India’s economy.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage through which a major portion of the world’s oil shipments pass, is a particular focus. India has maintained a continuous naval presence in the Persian Gulf, ensuring energy supplies remain undisrupted. In Oman’s Duqm port, India has expanded its logistics operations, allowing warships to refuel and restock quickly. The 16 naval operations conducted at Duqm in 2024 prove India’s ability to sustain long-term deployments and respond rapidly to emerging threats.
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By securing key trade routes and strategic locations, India is reinforcing its status as a global maritime player. This naval expansion not only protects India’s own economic interests but also positions it as a guardian of regional stability.
India’s Naval Future: A Security Provider for the Indo-Pacific
As global conflicts escalate and trade routes face increasing threats, India’s naval diplomacy will play a defining role in shaping the Indo-Pacific’s security landscape. With stronger military engagements in Southeast Asia, enhanced coordination in the Persian Gulf, and a proactive stance in the Red Sea, India is emerging as a major security provider.
While China and the US compete for dominance, India is carefully positioning itself as a regional stabilizer. The Indian Navy’s sustained deployments, growing security ties, and balanced power projection strategy prove that India’s naval diplomacy is no longer just about defending its waters—it is about reshaping the global balance of power.
