In view of the changing geopolitical situation and maritime security challenges, the Indian Navy is enhancing its capabilities to record levels. The Navy is rapidly moving towards building a powerful and self-reliant fleet of more than 200 ships by 2035. The Indian Navy’s fleet currently consists of about 150 big ships and submarines. Apart from this, more than 50 warships and submarines are being built in different shipyards across the country under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.
The Navy inducted a total of 12 warships and 1 submarine in 2025. After this, there are plans to induct about 15 new ships into the fleet in 2026, which will be a record for the highest number of ships inducted in a year in the history of the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy is a ‘blue-water navy’, which is capable of not only protecting its coasts but also projecting strategic power in the high seas. Also, the Navy aims to become a ‘completely indigenous force’ by 2047, with complete self-reliance even at the component level.
Naval strength of neighboring countries
China’s naval power: In terms of numbers, China has the largest navy in the world. According to the Global Firepower Index, it has more than 841 naval ships of different sizes. China has a large fleet that includes three active aircraft carriers (Liaoning, Shandong and Fujian), 53 destroyers, 46 frigates and between 61 and 68 submarines. The Chinese Navy has more than 2,50,000 personnel and has built military bases in strategic places like Djibouti and Cambodia.
Pakistan Navy’s scope is very limited
Compared to China, the scope of Pakistan’s navy is very limited. It is considered a ‘green-water navy’, which mainly focuses on coastal security. Pakistan has approximately 121 to 148 naval ships, of which only 36 are main frontline combat ships. It operates 8 to 9 active submarines, but does not have large warships like aircraft carriers or guided-missile destroyers.
India will be strong in the sea
On one hand, China is increasing its naval presence around the world and Pakistan is strengthening its security. India’s target of building a fleet of more than 200 ships by 2035 will prove to be a historic step towards maintaining regional balance and protecting the country’s strategic interests.
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