In a major step to strengthen its maritime capabilities against China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean, India’s navy launched a frigate, a destroyer, and a submarine on January 15, 2025. The state-run Mazagon Dockyard in Mumbai hosted the simultaneous launch, which was a component of India’s larger plan to strengthen its navy in an area vital to its security and trade.
The sixth ship of the French Scorpène class, the INS Vagsheer, is intended to replace India’s fleet’s aging submarines. With this addition, India’s submarine fleet now stands at sixteen.
Alongside the Vagsheer, the INS Surat frigate and the INS Nilgiri destroyer were also put into service, demonstrating India’s dedication to updating its naval capabilities.
Rajnath Singh, India’s defense minister, emphasized that conventional maritime issues focused on the Atlantic are giving way to the Indian Ocean as a focal point of global power dynamics. According to him, India is giving naval development top priority in order to successfully safeguard its interests as a nation.
“These launches mark a significant advancement in India’s aspirations to become a leader in maritime security and defense manufacturing,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. The commissioning of these warships represents a significant step toward achieving this goal, he said.
About 95% of India’s trade goes across the Indian Ocean, making it an essential part of the world economy. China has increased its naval presence in the area, and India has responded by making crucial military investments. According to defense strategists, India’s naval capabilities must be expanded in order to compete with China’s fast expanding fleet.
According to reports, India’s defense ministry is completing plans to build three more Scorpène-class submarines in the country, which is in line with continuous initiatives to improve the country’s capacity for defense production. It is anticipated that these new submarines won’t be in service until 2031.
India’s dedication to preserving maritime security and fending off outside threats in an area that is getting more and more disputed is demonstrated by this strategic military advancement.
