Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 16th Jan. Bharat’s maritime ambitions reached a historic milestone on the occasion of Army Day, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioning three Made-in-India warships—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—at the Navy Dockyard in Mumbai. Against the backdrop of dense fog, PM Modi lauded the event as a testament to Bharat’s self-reliance in defense production and a bold step toward enhancing the country’s naval capabilities. Drawing inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s pioneering naval strategy, PM Modi declared this commissioning as a transformative moment for Bharat’s defense and maritime security.
This momentous occasion reflects Bharat’s evolving maritime priorities as the nation seeks to strengthen its naval power in an era of shifting geopolitical dynamics. With global trade routes under threat, heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and China’s growing assertiveness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Bharat’s investment in naval strength is both timely and strategic.
Bharat’s Maritime Legacy and Modern Naval Strength
Bharat’s rich maritime history dates back to ancient civilizations that flourished along its extensive coastline. From the robust naval fleet of the Cholas to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s naval prowess, maritime strength has long been a cornerstone of Bharat’s strategic and economic success. Today, as a rising global power, Bharat is reclaiming its maritime legacy by modernizing its naval capabilities and asserting itself as a dominant force in the Indian Ocean Region.
The commissioning of INS Surat, a guided-missile destroyer, INS Nilgiri, a stealth frigate, and INS Vaghsheer, a state-of-the-art Scorpène-class submarine, symbolizes Bharat’s resolve to not only secure its maritime borders but also protect critical trade routes and strengthen its role in ensuring regional stability. These indigenously built warships are part of Bharat’s ambitious push for self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign, showcasing the capabilities of Bharatiya shipyards and defense manufacturers.
Rising Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region
The Indian Ocean Region has emerged as a focal point of global strategic competition, with China’s aggressive naval build-up and growing influence posing significant challenges. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has been expanding its presence in the Indian Ocean through the development of overseas bases, including its stronghold in Djibouti and growing partnerships in Sri Lanka and Pakistan under the Belt and Road Initiative.
China’s deployment of surveillance ships and submarines in the Indian Ocean has raised alarm bells in Bharat, prompting a more robust response to safeguard its maritime interests. Additionally, piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and climate-related threats compound the region’s security concerns, demanding a capable and vigilant Indian Navy.
Key Features of INS Surat, Nilgiri, and Vaghsheer
The newly commissioned warships represent a blend of advanced technology, modern design, and indigenous innovation:
- INS Surat: A Visakhapatnam-class guided-missile destroyer, INS Surat is equipped with cutting-edge radar systems, long-range missiles, and anti-submarine capabilities. Designed for multi-role operations, it can tackle threats from the air, surface, and underwater.
- INS Nilgiri: The first stealth frigate of Project 17A, INS Nilgiri combines enhanced stealth features with advanced weaponry and sensors, making it a formidable asset for anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare.
- INS Vaghsheer: A Scorpène-class submarine built under Project 75, INS Vaghsheer boasts advanced stealth capabilities, powerful weapon systems, and enhanced endurance, making it an indispensable asset for covert operations and underwater dominance.
Together, these warships bolster Bharat’s naval power, ensuring comprehensive maritime security and strengthening its deterrence capabilities.
The Economic Importance of Maritime Security
Bharat’s economic future is inextricably linked to its maritime security. With nearly 95% of its trade volume and 70% of its trade value transported by sea, safeguarding the Indian Ocean’s critical trade routes is imperative. The commissioning of these warships enhances Bharat’s ability to secure its maritime trade and protect key assets such as ports, undersea communication cables, and offshore oil reserves.
As global shipping lanes become increasingly contested, a strong navy is essential for maintaining freedom of navigation and securing Bharat’s economic interests. The Indian Navy’s ability to project power and provide humanitarian assistance during crises further solidifies its role as a net security provider in the region.
Bharat’s Geopolitical Aspirations and Naval Diplomacy
The strengthening of Bharat’s navy is not just a defensive measure—it is a critical component of the country’s geopolitical aspirations. As a key player in the Quad alliance alongside the United States, Japan, and Australia, Bharat’s enhanced naval capabilities bolster its position in the Indo-Pacific. The commissioning of new warships sends a strong message to both allies and adversaries about Bharat’s commitment to maintaining regional stability and countering coercive actions in the maritime domain.
Bharat has also emerged as a reliable partner for smaller nations in the Indian Ocean Region, providing training, equipment, and assistance in maritime security. The country’s growing naval strength enhances its ability to support regional partners, expand its influence, and build a coalition of like-minded nations committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Why Bharat Must Prioritize Naval Power
In an increasingly volatile world, Bharat’s naval strength is critical for safeguarding its sovereignty, securing its economic future, and fulfilling its role as a responsible global power. The commissioning of INS Surat, Nilgiri, and Vaghsheer marks a significant step forward, but more needs to be done.
Bharat must continue investing in indigenous shipbuilding, enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities, and expand its fleet to counter emerging threats. A strong navy not only protects Bharat’s shores but also enables it to project power and influence in a region that is fast becoming the epicenter of global geopolitics.
As a nation with a 7,500-kilometer coastline and strategic choke points like the Strait of Malacca within its sphere of influence, Bharat’s maritime security cannot be an afterthought. The Indian Navy must be equipped to face 21st-century challenges, from countering China’s naval assertiveness to combating non-traditional security threats such as cyberattacks and climate change-induced disasters.
Conclusion: Securing Bharat’s Maritime Future
The commissioning of INS Surat, Nilgiri, and Vaghsheer is a proud moment for Bharat, highlighting the nation’s progress in defense self-reliance and its commitment to securing its maritime interests. These warships not only enhance Bharat’s naval capabilities but also symbolize its aspiration to be a leader in the Indo-Pacific region.
As Bharat navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing global order, a strong navy will be its anchor of stability and strength. By prioritizing naval modernization and embracing its maritime heritage, Bharat is not only securing its future but also reaffirming its role as a responsible global power committed to peace, stability, and prosperity. The seas are Bharat’s frontier, and with each stride in naval power, Bharat moves closer to fulfilling its destiny as a maritime superpower.
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