The Indian Navy’s simultaneous commissioning of three frontline warships on January 16, 2025, in Mumbai marks a significant advancement in India’s naval capabilities and indigenous defense manufacturing. This event, encompassing the induction of a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine, all manufactured domestically, represents a substantial step towards India’s self-reliance in defense production and its evolving role as a maritime power.
Historical Context and Nomenclature
The newly commissioned vessels, namely the Nilgiri, the Surat Warship, and the Vagsheer, reflect a deliberate fusion of India’s maritime heritage and contemporary naval aspirations. The Nilgiri, named after the formidable Chola dynasty renowned for its naval prowess, evokes India’s historical maritime strength. The Surat Warship pays homage to Gujarat’s historical significance in facilitating India’s maritime connections with West Asia. The Vagsheer, as the final submarine of the P75 class, completes a series that commenced with the Kalvari, symbolizing the continuity and progression of India’s submarine capabilities.
Strategic Importance of Maritime Power
The expansion of India’s naval capabilities is intrinsically linked to its geopolitical and economic objectives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s role as a responsible maritime power, underscoring the country’s commitment to maintaining an open, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. This commitment is further exemplified by initiatives such as SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) and the principle of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
The strategic importance of a robust naval presence extends beyond military considerations. It is crucial for:
- Ensuring economic progress and energy security
- Protecting territorial waters
- Safeguarding freedom of navigation
- Securing vital trade routes
- Combating maritime threats such as terrorism, arms trafficking, and drug smuggling
- Managing oceanic resources, including rare minerals and fisheries
Indigenous Manufacturing and Economic Impact
The focus on indigenous production aligns with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
Significant achievements in this domain include:
- The induction of 33 ships and 7 submarines into the Indian Navy over the past decade
- 39 out of 40 naval vessels constructed in Indian shipyards
- Defense production surpassing ₹1.25 lakh crore
- Export of defense equipment to over 100 countries
The economic ramifications of this indigenous shipbuilding effort are substantial. For every ₹1 invested in shipbuilding, ₹1.82 circulates in the economy. With 60 large ships under construction, valued at approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore, the expected economic impact is estimated at ₹3 lakh crore. Furthermore, the shipbuilding industry demonstrates a significant multiplier effect on employment, with a ratio of 1:6 between direct and indirect job creation.
Advancements in Maritime Infrastructure and Operations
India’s maritime growth extends beyond naval expansion to encompass broader developments in the maritime sector:
- The number of Indian seafarers has more than doubled since 2014, reaching nearly 3 lakh
- Port turnaround times have been reduced from 40 hours to 22 hours
- The operationalization of the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor
- The establishment of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), spanning 4,800 km
Sustainable Maritime Development
In alignment with global environmental concerns, India is transitioning towards sustainable maritime practices:
- Shift towards clean fuel ships powered by ammonia, hydrogen, and electric technology
- Allocation of 30% support for Green Shipping initiatives under the “Panch Karma Sankalp”
Long-Term Naval and Maritime Objectives
India’s maritime strategy encompasses ambitious long-term goals:
- Expanding the naval fleet to 155-160 warships by 2030 and 175-200 by 2035
- A long-term vision of achieving a fleet of 200 vessels and 500 aircraft by 2050
- Development of major port projects including Vizhinjam Seaport, Vadhavan, and Galathea Bay Mega Ports
- Targeting a port capacity of 10,000 million metric tonnes by 2047
Holistic Approach to Maritime and National Security
India’s maritime strategy aligns with national security and exploration objectives through:
- Strengthening border connectivity with projects like the Sonamarg and Sela tunnels.
- Advancing border village development under the Vibrant Village Program.
- Mapping and naming remote islands and seamounts in the Indian Ocean.
- Expanding deep-sea exploration with the Samudrayaan project.
Naval Identity and Heritage
The Indian Navy has undergone a symbolic transformation to reflect its rich heritage:
- Incorporation of elements from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s naval tradition in the Navy’s flag
- Redesign of Admiral rank epaulettes to reflect historical connections
Additional Information
India has introduced various initiatives to strengthen its defence sector and promote indigenous capabilities, focusing on innovation, manufacturing, and exports.
Key initiatives include:
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
Launched in 2018, iDEX fosters innovation in defence and aerospace by supporting startups and MSMEs. It offers grants of up to ₹1.5 crore (up to ₹10 crore for iDEX Prime) to develop innovative solutions. With a budget of ₹498.80 crore for 2021-26, it aims to support 300 startups/MSMEs and 20 partner incubators.
Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI)
A sub-scheme under iDEX, ADITI focuses on developing around 30 deep-tech strategic technologies for defence applications with export potential. It has a budget of ₹750 crore for 2023-26.
Technology Development Fund (TDF)
TDF encourages MSMEs and startups to design and develop innovative defence products by offering financial assistance for various technological advancements.
Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme
This scheme establishes greenfield defence testing facilities to promote indigenous defence production and foster MSME participation.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
Aimed at enhancing domestic manufacturing, the PLI scheme, with an outlay of ₹19,500 crore, supports the production of high-efficiency solar PV modules, contributing to the defence sector.
Make in India in Defence
The government promotes indigenous manufacturing by increasing the FDI limit to 74% via the automatic route and 100% through the government route.
Defence Industrial Corridors
Dedicated Defence Industrial Corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh serve as hubs for defence manufacturing, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Scheme for Promotion of Defence Exports (SPDE)
This scheme supports participation in international defence exhibitions and markets Indian defence products globally, enhancing export potential.
Strategic Partnership Model
This model facilitates domestic production of defence equipment by fostering partnerships between Indian and foreign companies.
Green Channel Status Policy (GCS)
GCS promotes private sector investment in defence production, encouraging efficiency and innovation.
Collectively, these initiatives aim to reduce dependence on imports, enhance self-reliance, and position India as a key player in the global defence market. The government targets a turnover of ₹1.75 lakh crore in aerospace and defence manufacturing by 2025, with exports of ₹35,000 crore, reflecting its commitment to advancing the defence sector.
From Strength to Strategy: India’s Holistic Approach to Maritime Leadership
The commissioning of these three warships represents more than a military milestone; it signifies India’s growing technological capabilities, economic ambitions, and commitment to regional security. As India progresses towards its goal of becoming a top-five maritime nation by 2047, the focus on self-reliance, innovation, and sustainable development positions the country to emerge as a significant naval power in the 21st century. This comprehensive approach to maritime development, encompassing military strength, economic growth, and environmental considerations, underscores India’s evolving role in global maritime affairs and its commitment to responsible power projection in the Indo-Pacific region.
MCQ
Q. With reference to the various initiatives under the “Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)” framework, consider the following statements:
- iDEX provides grants of up to ₹1.5 crore to startups and MSMEs for developing innovative solutions in the defence sector.
- The Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme has a budget of ₹750 crore for 2021-26.
- The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme supports the production of high-efficiency solar PV modules, contributing to defence sector growth.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 2 only
- (d) 1, 2, and 3
Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: iDEX provides grants to startups and MSMEs, up to ₹1.5 crore for regular projects and up to ₹10 crore for iDEX Prime projects.
Statement 2 is incorrect: ADITI has a budget of ₹750 crore for 2023-26, not 2021-26.
Statement 3 is correct: The PLI scheme supports the production of high-efficiency solar PV modules, and its contribution to the defence sector is aligned with enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Mains Question (15 Marks):
Q. Evaluate the role of the “Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)” initiative in fostering innovation and self-reliance in India’s defence sector. Discuss the contribution of associated schemes like ADITI, TDF, and the Defence Industrial Corridors in enhancing indigenous defence production.
(250 words)