New Delhi: The Indian Navy has decided to pause its plans for expanding its aircraft carrier fleet and instead shift its focus and resources toward submarines.
The reasoning is straightforward. With the Chinese Navy growing stronger and operating in the Indo-Pacific region—especially in areas like the Malacca Strait and the South China Sea—India needs to prioritise sea denial capabilities. China now boasts a larger naval fleet than even the US Navy. On the other hand, when looking westward at Pakistan, India already holds a significant naval advantage. In this case, the goal is sea control and dominance.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s preference for submarines has shaped its naval strategy, particularly after acquiring its first submarine, PNS Ghazi, in 1964. In contrast, India initially focused on aircraft carriers but eventually began building its own submarine fleet, starting with the INS Kalvari in 1967. India’s submarine programme expanded with the acquisition of Soviet-era Kilo-class and Foxtrot-class submarines and the later addition of French-built Scorpene-class vessels. The focus now is on increasing the number of conventional and nuclear-powered submarines.
The Indian Navy’s 30-year submarine programme, initiated in 1999, aimed to have 24 conventional diesel-electric submarines by 2030, but only six Scorpene-class boats have been built so far. As a stopgap, the Navy is acquiring three more Scorpene submarines. The plan also includes six nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), with the first two approved for construction. The government is focusing on submarines due to their stealth capabilities, allowing for sea denial, in contrast to aircraft carriers, which are primarily about power projection.
In Episode 1602 of #CutTheClutter, ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta and Defence Editor Snehesh Alex Philip discuss India’s naval strategy, the evolution of aircraft carriers and submarines, and future plans for strengthening maritime defence capabilities.
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