India’s navy deploys submarines and warships to counter China’s influence in the Indian Ocean

MUMBAI, India — On Wednesday, India’s navy celebrated a significant milestone by launching a submarine, a destroyer, and a frigate, all constructed at a state-owned shipyard. This event emphasizes the nation’s focus on safeguarding the Indian Ocean region, a crucial maritime passage for 95% of India’s trade, amid increasing Chinese naval activities.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the shifting significance of the Atlantic Ocean, stating that the Indian Ocean is becoming a pivotal arena for global power dynamics. He highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening its navy to protect national interests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of these developments, stating that the addition of these three naval vessels signifies a major step forward in India’s ambition to become a global authority in defense manufacturing and maritime security. He officiated the commissioning at the Mazagon Dockyard in Mumbai.

Rahul Bedi, a defense expert, underscored the challenges posed by China’s expanding naval capabilities, marking it as India’s primary competitor. He explained that the INS Vagsheer submarine is the sixth in the French license-built Kalvari (Scorpene)-class series, designed to replace outdated underwater vessels and address critical capability deficiencies. With the addition of the Vagsheer, India now operates a total of 16 submarines.

Bedi pointed out that the P75 Scorpene submarine project showcases India’s advancing skills in submarine construction, developed through collaboration with France’s Naval Group. The Indian defense ministry is anticipated to finalize an agreement for three more Scorpene submarines to be produced domestically, coinciding with Modi’s expected visit to Paris next month for the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.

Nevertheless, the Indian navy noted that the initial submarine from this deal may not be operational until 2031. In a move to bolster its naval strength against China’s more extensive fleet, India commissioned its first indigenous aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant, in 2022, enhancing its local shipbuilding capabilities.

The INS Vikrant, meaning “powerful” or “courageous” in Sanskrit, is now India’s second active aircraft carrier, joining the INS Vikramaditya, which India acquired from Russia in 2004 to secure the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal.