India's Maritime Power: A Rising Global Player
India, long focused on its land borders with rivals Pakistan and China, is now beginning to assert its naval power in international waters. In recent years, the country has taken on various maritime security roles, including anti-piracy patrols and responding to ship attacks. These efforts highlight India's ambition to position itself as a proactive contributor to international maritime stability and a global power.
One significant deployment that garnered attention was India's response to attacks on ships close to the Red Sea when Yemen-based Houthi rebels targeted vessels in solidarity with Hamas. Disruptions in this key trading route, which handles around 12% of global trade, prompted India to send three guided missile destroyers and reconnaissance aircraft to assist.
Retired Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla, former head of India's southern naval command, emphasized that India's naval assertiveness serves multiple purposes. Not only does it demonstrate India's commitment to global maritime stability, but it also sends a clear message to regional rival China. By showcasing its large naval force, India asserts itself as the most capable and responsible resident naval power in the Indian Ocean, a region of significant strategic importance.
India's navy has stepped in to assist several ships attacked by Houthi rebels and one incident attributed to Iran (a claim denied by Tehran). Additionally, the Indian navy has actively participated in anti-piracy missions. These engagements showcase India's growing role as a protector and enforcer of maritime security.
Maritime security has increasingly become a vital pillar of India's foreign policy, motivated in part by the rise of China as a dominant player in the Indian Ocean. China's presence in the region has expanded through infrastructure deals with India's neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Beijing's focus on securing naval bases and asserting territorial claims has compelled India to bolster its own naval capabilities.
Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda, a former Indian military officer and strategic expert, highlighted China's expanding naval presence and India's corresponding need to enhance its maritime capabilities. The growing competition with China has motivated India to invest in advanced ships, submarines, aircraft, technology, and infrastructure. The navy's portion of India's defense budget has increased to 19% from around 14%, signaling a greater emphasis on maritime defense.
India has also built strategic partnerships through joint exercises with other nations in the region and beyond. As a member of the Indo-Pacific strategic alliance known as the Quad, which includes the United States, Australia, and Japan, India has joined forces to counter China's assertiveness in the South China Sea. Regular naval drills are part of this joint initiative to address China's growing influence and maritime territorial claims.
The South China Sea remains a primary concern for Indian naval planners due to the high volume of India's cargo passing through the region. However, India currently lacks the strength to project power directly into the South China Sea due to China's vast naval assets in the area. While India's navy continues to grow in size and capabilities, it acknowledges the limitations of engaging in a shooting war with China. The Quad alliance, although a notable partnership, does not possess the mandate of a NATO-like alliance.
India's maritime ambitions reflect its aspiration to become a global power. By actively participating in international maritime security efforts, India seeks to establish itself as a proactive contributor and a responsible resident naval power in the Indian Ocean. As China's influence expands, India is determined to secure its interests and safeguard the vital shipping lanes that support its trade and economic growth. With a growing navy and strategic partnerships, India aims to shape the Indo-Pacific region and promote its geopolitical and strategic priorities on the global stage.
