From Ancient Waves to Modern Strength: India's Resurgence in the Indian Ocean

Introduction:

The Indian Ocean is a colossal stage, connecting East and West, busy with ships that carry over 90% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value. Whoever controls these waters can influence global commerce, energy supply, and the security of billions of people. India's journey in the Indian Ocean is a saga of transformation, from historical naval prowess to navigating contemporary geopolitical complexities.  Ancient India commanded vast maritime trade routes with its powerful navy, shaping cultural exchange and economic dominance across the region.

However, over the centuries, India's seafaring capabilities declined, leaving it vulnerable to foreign influence. The emergence of China's "String of Pearls" strategy, characterised by strategic port development across the Indian Ocean, further underscored India's vulnerability. This, coupled with historical ties and ongoing dependence on Western powers such as the U.S. and Britain, presented a complex maritime landscape. Unfortunately, before 2014, for unknown reasons, India had not given sufficient importance to this vital stage of the country’s safety and security.

The governments after 2014 ushered in a new era, marked by determination that was characterised by assertive policies and increased investment in naval capabilities known as ‘Operation Sagar Shakti’. Recognising the importance of self-reliance and projecting power, India has been steadily modernizing its navy.  Strategic partnerships with key nations are also being forged to counterbalance China's growing influence.

India's maritime resurgence is not merely about economic interests but a quest for security, global stature, and national pride. This article aims to reclaim its rightful place in the Indian Ocean. Under the call of Vikshit Bharat, India seeks to shape a new order based on cooperation, regional stability, and respect for international norms.

U Turn in India’s Maritime Policy:

As stated earlier, under the NDA government, India has made significant strides in indigenous weapons production, particularly in warships, submarines, and naval ammunition, to bolster its maritime assertiveness and “Island Diplomacy” in the Indian Ocean region. This commitment to self-reliance, institutionalised under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, reflects a strategic intent to transform the Indian Navy into an effective combat force, a source of national pride and regional influence.

Indigenous Warship Production:

India’s shipbuilding capability has seen marked progress, driven by public-sector undertakings like Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, and Hindustan Shipyard, as well as private entities such as Larsen & Toubro and others. The Indian Navy now operates a majority of vessels designed and built domestically, ranging from aircraft carriers (INS Vikrant), destroyers, frigates, corvettes, to patrol boats. INS Vikrant, the first indigenously built combat aircraft carrier, launched in 2022, represents a milestone in employing advanced sensors and weapon systems developed within India. Apart from more than half a dozen naval bases that have been developed and equipped with the most modern facilities, not only essential for the safety and security of the country, but also they can be used as a springboard for any offensive exercises if the situation so demands. Critical warship programs, such as Project 17A frigates and Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, utilize home-grown technologies, underscoring India’s intent to decrease dependence on foreign suppliers.

Submarine Development:

Submarine building has posed greater challenges, particularly since technological secrecy and complexity historically forced reliance on foreign partners. However, with the successful construction of the Arihant-class nuclear submarines and Kalvari-class diesel-electric submarines (based on the French Scorpene design but with significant Indian input), India has shown the capacity to produce strategic platforms domestically. These indigenous submarine programs not only improve the Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities but also reinforce deterrence and operational flexibility around key island territories and choke points in the Indian Ocean.

Indigenous Ammunition and Systems:

India has also prioritised the development of indigenous naval ammunition and advanced systems. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has delivered anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and electronic warfare systems, as well as artificial intelligence (AI), along with next-generation radars of different types to suit the requirements, to enhance the Indian Navy's operational readiness. By deploying the NAIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), ISRO's dedicated network of Spy Satellites, and the prowess of penetration into enemy software, India has excelled in modern warfare.  The naval version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, jointly developed with Russia but produced in India, and also the supersonic glide vehicle ‘Dhaani’, are now staples on Indian warships and influence maritime dynamics in the extended neighbourhood. Additionally, efforts in underwater drones, surveillance tools, and network-centric warfare platforms using AI aim to create a technological edge over adversaries.

Strategic Assertion and Island Diplomacy:

India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities directly inform its “Island Diplomacy”—leveraging maritime assets and defence cooperation to support regional island states and secure strategic interests. Frequently using locally constructed ships and platforms, the Indian Navy has played a significant role in providing disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and capacity building for countries such as Mauritius, Seychelles, and the Maldives. This strengthens India's diplomatic stance and prevents extra-regional powers from growing in the Indian Ocean.  

Critical Analysis:                                              

In fine, while the progress is notable, challenges persist. Indigenous production faces delays, cost overruns, and technological bottlenecks in areas such as propulsion, stealth technology, and next-generation weaponry. The reliance on imported components for submarines and advanced electronics indicates incomplete self-reliance. Moreover, bureaucratic inertia, lack of private sector integration, and limited export success hinder ambitions for a robust indigenous defence ecosystem. India’s strategy aligns with its quest for regional leadership and strategic autonomy, but the goal of making the Navy “proud” must be matched by sustained investment in research, timely project execution, and global competitiveness, and overcoming inherent shortcomings. Nevertheless, India’s assertive focus on indigenous naval power is steadily transforming its maritime posture, enabling effective Island Diplomacy and projecting influence across the Indo-Pacific.

As a part of the ‘Vikshit Bharat’ programme, the NDA government has embarked on a path of assertive resurgence, recognizing that maritime power is crucial to safeguarding India's interests. This vision is being realized through a combination of diplomatic efforts, strengthening regional partnerships, and modernizing the Indian Navy. The navy plays a pivotal role in securing sea lanes, conducting anti-piracy operations, and expanding India's maritime influence and the revival of its past glory. World powers will view India's resurgence in the Indian Ocean and beyond with astound dignity, from ancient mariners to contemporary guardians and future global maritime power in the making.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is derived from news articles released at various intervals and other printed sources and electronic channels. The septuagenarian blogger lacks expertise in verifying them. Therefore, inadvertent inaccuracies in the narration may not be ruled out, for which the blogger should be forgiven. The intention is to highlight that the much-awaited rise of India as a maritime power may also be considered a guarantee of national safety and security.  Readers are encouraged to read more on the issue.