India’s defense policy, traditionally focused on its land borders with Pakistan and China, is expanding to include a greater emphasis on naval power projection in international waters. Recent deployments, such as anti-piracy patrols and missions near the Red Sea during Israel’s conflict with Hamas, highlight India’s evolving role as a maritime power. The country sent guided missile destroyers and reconnaissance aircraft to safeguard ships amid rising tensions involving Yemen-based Houthi rebels, signaling its proactive contribution to international maritime stability.
Vice Adm. Anil Kumar Chawla, a former head of India’s southern naval command, underscores India’s strategic shift towards maritime power, positioning itself as a global player. India’s maritime deployments serve as a message to regional rival China, asserting its capability and responsibility as a resident naval power in the Indian Ocean. The Indian navy’s involvement in safeguarding ships and conducting anti-piracy missions underscores its growing role in regional security dynamics.
The escalation of attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea has drawn international attention to the maritime security challenges in the region. India’s assistance to vessels targeted by Houthi attacks underscores its commitment to ensuring safe navigation in vital maritime corridors. While India has not joined the U.S.-led coalition against the Houthis, its active participation in safeguarding merchant vessels reflects its growing engagement in regional security affairs.
India’s naval expansion is driven partly by its strategic competition with China, which has significantly expanded its presence in the Indian Ocean through infrastructure deals and naval deployments. The growing maritime rivalry between India and China underscores the importance of maritime security in India’s foreign policy calculus. As India seeks to bolster its naval capabilities and strategic partnerships, its role in the Indo-Pacific region is poised to become increasingly pivotal in shaping regional security dynamics.
