India is steadily advancing towards building a stronger and networked blue-water Navy, with a long-term plan to operate over 200 warships and submarines by 2035. The aim is to safeguard the country’s vast maritime interests and counter the fast-expanding collusive threat posed by China and Pakistan in the high seas.
India Targets 200-Plus Warships By 2035
Expanding Naval Strength
At present, the Indian Navy operates 140 warships, including 17 diesel-electric submarines (11 of which are very old), 2 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), and more than 250 aircraft and helicopters. However, with progressive retirement of older platforms, the Navy plans to expand its strength to over 200 warships and submarines, and 350 aircraft and helicopters by the next decade. The force-level could even touch 230 warships by 2037.
Currently, 55 warships are under construction in Indian shipyards at a cost of around ₹99,500 crore. Additionally, the Navy has received ‘Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)’ for the indigenous construction of 74 more warships and vessels worth ₹2.35 lakh crore. These future projects include:
- 9 diesel-electric submarines
- 7 next-generation multi-role stealth frigates
- 8 anti-submarine warfare corvettes
- 12 mine countermeasure vessels
Another major proposal under consideration is the indigenous construction of four next-generation destroyers (10,000 tonnes each) and a second aircraft carrier to eventually replace INS Vikramaditya, following the successful commissioning of INS Vikrant.
Strategic Significance
According to senior naval officers, building a navy is a long-term endeavor that demands years of planning and construction. India, apart from the P5 nations (US, Russia, China, France, UK), is the only country capable of designing, building, and operating both aircraft carriers and SSBNs.
Warship-building also has a huge economic impact. As one officer explained, “Any expenditure on warship-building has a multiplier effect of 1.8 times on the domestic economy, with one shipyard job creating five to six jobs in ancillary industries.”
The China-Pakistan Challenge
China, with the world’s largest navy of 370 warships and submarines, is rapidly expanding its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It has already established bases and facilities in Djibouti, Karachi, Gwadar, and Ream (Cambodia), and continues to hunt for more overseas footholds.
Pakistan, meanwhile, is upgrading its naval capabilities with Chinese assistance. Starting next year, it is expected to induct eight Yuan-class (Hangor-class) submarines with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP), significantly boosting its sea-denial capabilities. At present, Pakistan operates only five old Agosta-class submarines.
India’s Submarine Worries
India’s conventional submarine fleet remains a concern. The Navy currently has:
- 6 Scorpene-class (French-origin) submarines (newer)
- 7 old Russian Kilo-class submarines
- 4 German HDW submarines
To address the gap, commercial negotiations are underway for the construction of six new diesel-electric submarines with AIP and land-attack cruise missiles, valued at ₹70,000 crore, at Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) in collaboration with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
However, the plan to construct three additional Scorpene-class submarines worth ₹32,000 crore at MDL has been stalled.
Conclusion
India’s ambitious naval modernization drive reflects its recognition of the growing importance of maritime security amid changing geopolitics. With a focus on indigenous shipbuilding, expanding underwater capabilities, and countering regional threats, the Indian Navy is steadily transforming into a formidable blue-water force that will play a decisive role in safeguarding national interests across the Indian Ocean and beyond.
