New Delhi- In response to the increasing presence of the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean, the Indian Navy has submitted a proposal to the Modi government, seeking to bolster its capabilities. This ambitious plan encompasses the construction of an additional aircraft carrier, the development of three nuclear-powered submarines, and the creation of six diesel-electric conventional submarines, all in alignment with Prime Minister Modi’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision, with the work to be carried out in Indian shipyards.
The Chinese expansion, facilitated by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), includes logistics bases in strategic locations, such as Ream in Cambodia near the Straits of Malacca, Coco Islands in the Bay of Bengal, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, Gwadar in Balochistan, Jask naval base in Iran, and a comprehensive naval facility in Djibouti at the mouth of the Red Sea, granting access to the Mediterranean.
Sources reveal that the Indian Navy has communicated to the Modi government its intention to move the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for the acceptance of necessity (AON) for a repeat order of the Vikrant-class aircraft carrier, with a tonnage of 45,000 tons. This decision comes after the shelving of plans for a larger warship. Additionally, the proposal includes the development of three nuclear-powered, conventionally-armed submarines (SSNs) in collaboration with key allies like France, along with advanced diesel-electric submarines under Project 76.
Anticipating the potential deployment of a Chinese carrier strike force in the Indian Ocean by 2025-2026, the Indian Navy aims to maintain its capabilities without interruptions, preserving the machine tooling capabilities of shipyards such as Kochi and Mazagon. Notably, India’s first aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, is currently operational, while INS Vikrant is undergoing routine maintenance in Karwar Naval Base.
While some Western media outlets downplay the capabilities of the Chinese strike force, the Indian perspective underscores that Chinese aircraft carriers, including the Liaoning and Shandong, can execute round-the-clock fighter operations. Furthermore, the under-construction 80,000-ton Fujian carrier, equipped with electromagnetic catapult capability, is poised for sea trials, potentially challenging the dominance of the US Navy in the Indo-Pacific.
Simultaneously, India is engaged in discussions with France to manufacture an additional three Kalveri-class submarines at the Mazagon dockyards in Mumbai. These submarines will feature air-independent propulsion for extended endurance. Paris has also expressed its willingness to support and collaborate with New Delhi in designing and constructing 5,000-ton SSNs, similar to the Suffren class, within India. Additionally, the French Naval group stands ready to co-design and develop Project 76 submarines should the Modi government decide to alter its plans, as the three additional Kalveri-class submarines will incorporate DRDO-designed and validated AIP technology. Project 75 I had originally envisioned six diesel-electric submarines with AIP.
India presently possesses three Arihant-class nuclear submarines equipped with nuclear ballistic missiles, enhancing its credible nuclear deterrence. While one is fully operational, the second is undergoing the final phases of sea trials, and the third is in the initial stages of sea trials.
Although the process of designing and developing SSNs will be time-consuming, the strategic gap will be bridged by the Russian Akula-class submarine, for which India has already made payments. This vessel, armed with land attack missiles, is expected to join the Indian Navy’s ranks in 2025.
As the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) continues to bolster its capabilities on land and at sea, in alignment with President Xi Jinping’s ambitions, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) nations must prepare for potential military emergencies in Taiwan and India, especially along India’s 3,488-kilometer Line of Actual Control with Tibet. It’s crucial to note that despite India’s recognition of Tibet as part of China under Jawaharlal Nehru, Beijing still regards Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet, and India rejects the 1959 cartographic line in East Ladakh as its border in occupied Aksai Chin.