India: Maritime Power Emerging
written by: Siddharth Srivastava, 03-Apr-08
 | | India's navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta: "Our primary maritime military interest is to secure national security" |
India is in the process of implementing a massive defense modernization exercise estimated to cost the country US $50 billion. Among the key elements is the US $10 billion purchase of fighter jets and a robust missile attack and defense program. An often-ignored aspect is India’s sea power where there is considerable progress as well.
There is an ongoing competition between India and China to control the waters of the Indian Ocean. India’s defense ministry has been under tremendous pressure from the navy to ramp up India’s sea power, given the challenges in the region.
With significant delays now expected in India in acquiring sea aircraft carriers, namely the Admiral Gorskov from Russia and the two that are being indigenously developed, other options are being aggressively probed.
The one unwritten aim is to send a tough message and check the influence of China in the seas through the new strategic friendship between India and the US, with other countries holding similar inclinations roped in for good measure.
The Chief of the Indian navy, Admiral Sureesh Mehta, states in the document “Freedom to use the seas: India’s Maritime Military Strategy” in May 2007:
“Our primary maritime military interest is to ensure national security, provide insulation from external interference, so that the vital tasks of fostering economic growth and undertaking developmental activities can take place in a secure environment.”
Malabar Exercise
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