India is witnessing a significant ramp-up in its naval capabilities as the country commissions a new indigenous vessel approximately every 40 days. This accelerated effort aims to bolster domestic defense production and enhance maritime security. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi revealed that the Indian Navy’s objective is to operate over 200 vessels by 2035, an increase from roughly 145 currently in service.
All 52 vessels presently on order are being constructed in Indian shipyards, showcasing a burgeoning “sovereign capability” in maritime defense. This initiative is not limited to the construction of ships; the Navy also aspires to localize component manufacturing, striving for full self-sufficiency by 2047—a pivotal year when India aims to establish itself as a developed nation through its ambitious “Viksit Bharat” vision.
Admiral Tripathi emphasized that modern defense strength is influenced as much by technology and industrial capabilities as it is by traditional weapons systems. He asserted that “semiconductors can be as decisive as submarines,” highlighting the crucial role of secure information networks alongside maritime power. Furthermore, he conveyed that defense partnerships should be guided by shared principles rather than mere convenience.
The Admiral introduced the Navy’s “MAHASAGAR” vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. This framework aims to foster international cooperation through various initiatives, including patrols, joint exercises, and humanitarian missions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, launched in 2020, serves as a foundational pillar of India’s defense industrial strategy. This program encourages local manufacturing and seeks to diminish dependence on foreign suppliers. Government statistics reveal that defense production has more than tripled over the past decade, surpassing 1.5 trillion rupees (approximately $17 billion) in 2024.
The Indian Navy has been a crucial player in this transformative effort. Notable recent accomplishments include the commissioning of the INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier. Various shipyards located in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam are engaged in the construction of destroyers, frigates, and submarines under the Make in India initiative.
Public-sector companies such as Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Garden Reach Shipbuilders have been expanding their production capacities. Meanwhile, private enterprises like Larsen & Toubro are making strides in modular shipbuilding and submarine technologies. The navy is also innovating in the development of indigenous unmanned vessels and investigating homegrown propulsion and combat management systems, further cementing its commitment to becoming a self-reliant defense force.
