India Expands Naval Presence Amidst Growing Competition with China

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or decades, India has strategically concentrated its defense efforts on land borders, particularly with neighboring rivals Pakistan and China. However, a shift in India’s global ambitions is now evident as the country begins to assert its naval power in international waters. This newfound focus includes active participation in anti-piracy patrols and a well-publicized naval deployment close to the Red Sea, aimed at safeguarding ships during Israel’s conflict with Hamas.

In a significant move, India dispatched three guided-missile destroyers and reconnaissance aircraft in November in response to Yemen-based Houthi rebels targeting ships in solidarity with Hamas. This disruption impacted a crucial trading route responsible for handling approximately 12% of global trade. The deployment showcased India as a “proactive contributor” to international maritime stability, according to Vice Adm. Anil Kumar Chawla, the former head of India’s southern naval command.

Chawla emphasized the strategic importance of maritime power, stating, “Unless you are a maritime power, you can never aspire to be a global power.” India, already a regional powerhouse, is now positioning itself as a “global player” with expanding maritime ambitions, seeking to project influence and stability on the international stage.

A clear message to regional rival China

India’s naval engagements have not gone unnoticed, as the country actively publicizes its deployments, signaling a desire to assume a more significant role in maritime security. This also serves as a clear message to regional rival China, showcasing India’s capability to deploy a formidable naval force in its vicinity.

The Indian Navy’s involvement has extended beyond mere displays of strength, actively assisting ships under threat. It aided at least four ships attacked by Houthi rebels and responded to a drone attack on a U.S.-owned merchant vessel. This underscores India’s commitment to maintaining maritime security, a shift that Darshana M. Baruah, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, acknowledges is a new dimension in India’s foreign policy engagements.

The growing competition with China plays a pivotal role in India’s maritime endeavors. China has steadily increased its presence in the Indian Ocean, a critical route for its energy supplies, boasting the world’s largest navy. Beijing’s deepening engagement in the Indian Ocean through infrastructure deals with India’s neighbors has prompted India to bolster its naval capabilities.

The need to counterbalance China

Lt. Gen. D. S. Hooda, a former Indian military officer and strategic expert, notes that India doesn’t have an option but to build up its naval capabilities in response to China’s expanding presence. India’s maritime initiatives are energized by the need to counterbalance China, leading to investments in advanced ships, submarines, aircraft, and technology infrastructure. The navy’s share of India’s defense budget has increased to 19%, reflecting a strategic shift.

The Indian Navy has also forged strategic partnerships through joint exercises with nations in the region and beyond. As part of the Quad alliance, comprising India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan, India actively participates in drills to counter China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. The South China Sea remains a top concern for Indian naval planners, with about 60% of India’s cargo passing through shipping lanes in the region dominated by Beijing.

Over the years, China has significantly expanded its presence in the Indian Ocean, a crucial route for its energy supply chain. Boasting the world’s largest navy, with a fleet size exceeding three times that of the Indian navy, China has also developed a formidable fleet of large coast guard ships. Additionally, it operates a maritime militia, consisting of fishing vessels, which collaborates with the coast guard to assert territorial claims in the contested South China Sea.

China’s deepening involvement in the Indian Ocean is primarily facilitated through infrastructure deals with India’s neighboring countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and most recently, the Maldives. Lt. Gen. D. S. Hooda, a former Indian military officer turned strategic expert, notes the Chinese pursuit of more naval bases in the extended Indian Ocean, prompting India to intensify its own naval capabilities.

India in the Maldives

Recent developments have raised concerns in India, notably the Maldives government granting clearance for a Chinese research ship to dock in its port. Similar Chinese vessels made port calls in Sri Lanka in 2022 and 2023, fueling Indian apprehensions about potential surveillance activities in the region. Responding to India’s concerns, Sri Lanka declared a one-year moratorium on foreign research ships entering its waters earlier this year.

The escalating competition with China serves as a catalyst for India to enhance its naval capabilities. This drive has led to increased investments in advanced ships, submarines, and aircraft, coupled with substantial allocations for technology and infrastructure development. In the burgeoning defense budget, which reached $72.6 billion last year, the navy’s share has risen to 19%, marking a notable increase from the traditional emphasis on the Indian army.

To bolster its maritime influence, the Indian navy has fostered strategic partnerships by actively participating in joint exercises with nations in the region and beyond. This collaborative approach underscores India’s commitment to navigating the evolving geopolitical landscape, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. As China expands its maritime reach, India’s strategic response involves not only strengthening its naval capabilities but also fostering alliances to maintain stability and assert its influence in the broader maritime domain.

While India’s current focus is on regional maritime stability, experts recognize the need for a maritime-oriented strategic thinking in Delhi to advance India’s geopolitical and strategic priorities globally. The evolving scenario underscores India’s aspirations to be a major player in shaping the future of international maritime security.

Source: The Associated Press