Indian Navy Deploys 35 Warships & 11 Submarines In The Indian Ocean To Counter Growing Chinese Presence

The Indian Navy has started one of its most extensive deployments, with 35 warships and 11 submarines maintaining critical positions in the Indian Ocean and the western seaboard. This deployment is intended to secure commercial trade routes and address specific objectives amidst China’s expanding regional presence.

The continuing refits and repairs have made it difficult for the Indian Navy’s submarine branch to remain operationally ready, leading to a noticeable reduction in fleet strength. The early 1990s saw the Indian submarine fleet at its strongest, consisting of HDWs, Foxtrot submarines, and Kilo-class submarines of Russian origin.

India currently has sixteen conventional submarines, including German HDWs, Russian Kilo-class, and French Scorpene-class submarines. Newer Scorpene submarines have higher availability ratios than previous ones.

However, operational availability is still a challenge. Despite their durability, the Kilo-class submarines, which were put into service in the 1980s, are seeing a decrease in availability ratios.

Proposals for more modern and Scorpene-class submarines are among the expansion goals, but the delays in acquisition and delivery schedules continue. The delivery of six technologically advanced, advanced submarines—which were first planned more than ten years ago—is expected to be significantly delayed, with little chance of the first being delivered by 2030.

Anti-piracy operations are part of the deployment in regions like the Red Sea, the eastern coast of Somalia, the northern Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. This increased naval presence coincides with Chinese maritime activity in the Indian Ocean, including combat ships and submarines.

The western seaboard activities of the Indian Navy are intended to protect trade in the face of increasing freight insurance and transportation expenses. Recent concerns about the declaration of High-Risk Areas highlight the significance of naval surveillance in maritime security.

INS Kolkata captured 35 Somali pirates during a recent operation from the ship MV Ruen, which had previously been taken over and used as a mother ship for more attacks.

There are concerns that other pirate organisations are preparing similar operations utilising stolen vessels, highlighting the need for continued measures to counter piracy threats in the area.

The goal of the Indian Navy’s ongoing operations, which include anti-piracy and surveillance missions, is to protect vital trade routes and improve maritime security in the face of changing regional dynamics and new threats.

Reference: Deccan Herald, The Print

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