The recent thaw in tensions between Indian and Chinese forces in eastern Ladakh has not translated into any notable shift in China’s approach in the broader Indo-Pacific region, Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi emphasised on Monday. Admiral Tripathi was speaking at the Navy’s annual press conference in advance of Indian Navy Day, which is being celebrated this year in Puri on December 4.
“China’s approach is too early to call,” said Admiral Tripathi. He noted that despite de-escalation efforts at points of contention such as the Depsang plains and Demchok in eastern Ladakh, the Chinese activities in the Indo-Pacific region remain a source of concern.
“You are talking of a wide swathe of the Indo-Pacific region, and whether it has changed or not. We have operated across the globe, including the South China Sea. They have operated here. What is happening in the South China Sea is not with us but with others. That is the cause for concern,” he said. “Whether that has changed or not is in the open domain. In my view, I don’t think anything has changed. It is a cause for worry.”
China-Pakistan Naval Nexus
During the briefing, Admiral Tripathi also hinted at a possible connection between China and Pakistan in the latter’s enhancement of naval capabilities. He expressed concerns about Pakistan’s plans to expand its naval fleet significantly, aiming to become a 50-ship force within the next decade. “Seeing the economy of Pakistan, it is very surprising how they are building or getting so many ships and submarines. Obviously, they have decided to choose between weapons over the welfare of their people. So, good luck to them,” Admiral Tripathi remarked.
He pointed out that a substantial number of Pakistani naval ships and submarines are being constructed in China or with Chinese assistance at Karachi shipyards. “It shows China is interested in strengthening the Pakistan Navy. The eight submarines being built for them will add significant combat potential to the Pakistan Navy. We are fully aware of what is happening, what is the level of their deployment, what is their concept of operations. Therefore, we are tweaking ours as well to negate any infringement in our area of operation. We are fully ready to tackle all threats from our neighbors,” he added.
Admiral Tripathi also acknowledged Chinese activities in Bangladesh, saying, “We don’t know fully how close the relations between China and Bangladesh are. We are aware they have provided some platforms, provided help in the creation of infrastructure, and there are some training efforts happening. We are not very concerned about it. We have good relations with Bangladesh.”
Focus on Indian Naval Acquisitions
In terms of the Indian Navy’s imminent acquisitions, Admiral Tripathi announced that a deal for 26 Rafale marine combat aircraft and additional Scorpene-class submarines is expected to be finalized soon. “Rafale marine (aircraft deal) is at an advanced stage of negotiations and just one level short of taking it to the Cabinet Committee on Security, following which a contract would be signed. It is a government-to-government deal, so I expect it to happen fast,” he stated.
According to him, the Scorpene submarines are also at an advanced stage of negotiations. “It is now just a matter of completing formalities. We expect that if not this month, then by next month, both this and Rafale should be signed.”
Admiral Tripathi explained that these acquisitions would significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities. He also spoke about the recent test-firing of a 3,500-km range ballistic missile from the newly inducted nuclear submarine, INS Arighaat. “We did carry out a test of the non-warhead missile. It was successful. The concerned agencies are examining as to what trajectory the missile took. We will come back with that answer once that process is completed,” he said.
Chinese Activities in the Indian Ocean
Commenting on Chinese naval activities in the Indian Ocean, the Navy chief noted that the last known visit of a Chinese submarine in the region occurred last year. “It went to Karachi and went back. After that, we have not heard of any Chinese submarine coming in the Indian Ocean region,” he said. Admiral Tripathi emphasized that the Navy is keeping a close watch on extra-regional forces operating in the Indian Ocean, including the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. “We knew who is doing what, where, and how,” he said, highlighting the comprehensive monitoring structure that ensures no threat to India’s maritime interests.
Admiral Tripathi also spoke about the Navy’s approach to dealing with foreign forces in the region. “We believe that oceans are open to all. Anybody can operate in the oceans till the time they are not affecting our security… Whether it is A, B, C, or D country. But we have established a structure to monitor what is happening. We will ensure there is no effect on our interests in the maritime domain,” he said.
India’s Naval Expansion Plans
The Indian Navy is set to expand significantly over the coming years, with a plan to induct 96 more ships and submarines over the next decade, Admiral Tripathi revealed. “Today, 63 ships, including a submarine, are under construction in various Defence PSUs, PSUs, and private shipyards in the country. There is an acceptance of necessity for 31 more ships, which include very powerful stealth frigates, seven ships of Project 17 D, and six submarines of Project 75 India. We have also accepted the necessity of 60 helicopters to replace the ageing Chetak helicopters,” he stated.
Admiral Tripathi expressed satisfaction over government approvals for the design and construction of two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs). “This indicates the government’s faith in our ability. A large number of platforms are awaiting induction in the next 12 months. On average, one ship will be inducted every month for the next year,” he added.
Naval Cooperation and Piracy Control
The Navy chief also touched upon the ongoing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically through the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA). “All countries are working closely on the IPMDA. There is a wider acceptance that this needs to be fructified. It is for the larger good of everybody and not just QUAD countries,” he said. The IPMDA is a Quad initiative providing maritime domain awareness information to partners across the Indo-Pacific region.
Admiral Tripathi also highlighted the Navy’s role in combating piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa. “You are aware that piracy had spiked in October in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa region. We then deployed around 10 ships in the area. Because of our efforts, piracy was brought down and is under control now. We have not heard of any piracy for some time now. One ship is always there in the Gulf of Aden since 2008,” he stated.
India’s Maritime Security Role
Admiral Tripathi stressed the importance of a strong navy in ensuring India’s economic growth. “The world acknowledges India’s economic prowess. We are aiming to become the world’s third-largest economy. All this requires sustained growth. Because 95 per cent of our trade by volume and 68 per cent by value transit through the seas, ensuring maritime security requires a strong Navy. That is our role… To make sure that there is order and discipline at sea so that our trade remains unhindered,” he said.
The Navy chief’s comments come at a time when the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific remains complex, with several regional and extra-regional players asserting their influence. The Indian Navy’s focus on expanding its capabilities, strengthening ties with partners, and maintaining vigilance over developments in the region highlights its commitment to safeguarding national interests in a challenging maritime environment.
The annual Indian Navy Day commemorates the Navy’s role in the 1971 India-Pakistan war, with special emphasis on the “Operation Trident” mission that resulted in a decisive victory for India. This year’s celebrations in Puri are expected to underscore the Navy’s contributions to national security and its evolving role in the Indo-Pacific region amidst growing maritime competition and strategic challenges.
As Admiral Tripathi underscored, the Indian Navy remains committed to maintaining stability in the region and ensuring that no external force undermines India’s security and maritime interests. The planned acquisitions and ongoing initiatives are steps towards enhancing the Navy’s capabilities in line with its objectives to act as a stabilizing force in the broader Indo-Pacific region.