Maritime Power and India’s Path to Self-Reliance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address in Kolkata, following the commissioning of three indigenously built naval ships, underscored a central theme in India’s strategic vision: maritime capability is the decisive factor in determining a nation’s economic and strategic influence. His remarks highlight India’s determination to move beyond dependence on foreign defence imports and to establish itself as a maritime power capable of shaping regional and global outcomes.  

Maritime Power as a Strategic Imperative  

Modi emphasized that no nation can aspire to become a major power without maritime prowess. Development, security, and prosperity are intrinsically tied to the seas, and countries with strong maritime capabilities enjoy greater economic leverage and strategic influence. For India, with its vast coastline and reliance on sea routes for trade and energy, strengthening naval power is not just a military necessity but an economic imperative.  

Commissioning of Indigenous Naval Platforms  

The Prime Minister commissioned three frontline platforms:  

- INS Dunagiri (stealth frigate) – enhancing maritime combat capabilities.  

- INS Sanshodhak (survey vessel) – strengthening hydrographic surveying and mapping.  

- INS Agray (anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft) – bolstering India’s ability to counter undersea threats.  

Together, these ships represent a significant leap in operational readiness and reflect India’s growing capacity to design, build, and deploy advanced naval systems. Modi noted that India’s journey from INS Vikrant to today’s fleet is not merely about new warships but about advancing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.  

From Import Dependence to Self-Reliance  

India was once among the world’s largest defence importers, a dependence that created both strategic and security vulnerabilities. Since 2014, the government has introduced major policy reforms to reverse this trend. Over 40 warships and submarines have been commissioned in recent years, and 45 large naval platforms are currently under construction. This transformation reflects a deliberate effort to build indigenous capacity, reduce reliance on external suppliers, and strengthen India’s defence ecosystem.  

Broader Implications  

- Economic Influence: A strong maritime sector enhances trade security and boosts India’s role in global supply chains.  

- Strategic Autonomy: Indigenous defence production reduces vulnerability to external pressures and sanctions.  

- Regional Stability: A capable Indian Navy contributes to safeguarding sea lanes in the Indian Ocean, a region critical to global commerce.  

 Prime Minister Modi’s message is clear: India’s rise as a global power depends on its ability to command the seas. The commissioning of INS Agray, INS Dunagiri, and INS Sanshodhak is not just about expanding naval strength but about reinforcing India’s journey toward Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). By linking maritime capability with economic and strategic influence, Modi has placed naval power at the heart of India’s vision for national security and prosperity.  

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