New Delhi: January 15, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the Indian Navy’s history, with the commissioning of three advanced warships—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—all constructed with over 75% domestic technology. This achievement aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Campaign) and boosts India’s defense sector significantly.
The commissioning of these vessels, noted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a reminder of India’s maritime heritage, which stretches back to the Chola empire’s golden age. The country’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region, surrounded by crucial sea routes, makes this a significant moment for national security. With 90% of India’s commerce passing through its maritime pathways, securing these routes is essential, not only for India but also for the global economy, as the Indo-Pacific represents 40% of global oil trade and 62% of the world’s GDP.
India’s growing naval strength is critical, especially as China’s maritime ambitions in the region intensify. As the first responder in the Indian Ocean Region, India remains committed to safeguarding maritime security and adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The induction of these three advanced vessels represents a breakthrough in India’s defense self-reliance. Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai has been instrumental in building these ships. Over the last decade, India has inducted 33 ships and seven submarines, many of which, including the nuclear-powered INS Arihant and the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, were constructed in Indian shipyards. This makes India a strong player in global defense manufacturing, with exports surpassing Rs 1.25 lakh crore.
Furthermore, this shift to indigenous defense production offers promising opportunities for private sector involvement, particularly MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises), which play a key role in building a large number of vessels. The expansion of India’s defense capabilities not only strengthens national security but also offers substantial job creation, with over 300,000 people already employed in the maritime industry.
Despite these advances, India’s military capability in drone warfare remains a concern. The private sector can play a crucial role in advancing innovation and collaborative investments in this space. With global examples like Ukraine’s affordable yet effective drones, India needs to ramp up its efforts in this domain to counter emerging threats, particularly from adversaries like China and Pakistan.
In conclusion, while India’s emergence as a dominant maritime force is a proud achievement, experts urge the government to continue its defense modernization efforts. Increasing defense expenditure to 2.5% of GDP, up from the current range of 1.5% to 2%, will be crucial to maintaining national security and addressing the challenges posed by growing regional rivalries, especially in the Indo-Pacific.
