Former Indian Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash has delivered a stark assessment of India's naval capabilities, stating that while the navy stands ready to deter threats, it lacks the comprehensive maritime power needed for complete security. The revelation came during a significant address that highlighted both strengths and critical gaps in India's naval defense infrastructure.
Current State of Indian Naval Power
Admiral Arun Prakash, who served as the Chief of Naval Staff from 2004 to 2006, made these crucial observations during his speech at the 3rd Admiral R.H. Tahiliani Memorial Lecture. The event, organized by the Indian Maritime Foundation, brought together defense experts and military strategists to discuss pressing maritime security concerns.
The former navy chief emphasized that the Indian Navy maintains robust deterrence capabilities against potential adversaries. However, he pointed out that this readiness doesn't translate into possessing complete maritime domain awareness or the comprehensive power projection capabilities that a nation of India's size and strategic importance requires.
Critical Gaps in Maritime Infrastructure
Admiral Prakash identified several areas where the Indian Navy faces significant challenges. The shortage of submarines and aircraft carriers emerged as particularly concerning aspects of the current naval inventory. These platforms are essential for maintaining sea control and power projection capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
The retired admiral also highlighted the pressing need for enhanced maritime domain awareness. This involves having comprehensive knowledge of everything happening in India's maritime zones - from surface vessels to underwater activities. Without this complete picture, the navy's ability to respond effectively to emerging threats remains compromised.
Another critical area of concern is the need for greater indigenization in naval shipbuilding. While India has made progress through initiatives like 'Make in India,' the dependence on foreign suppliers for critical components continues to pose challenges for long-term strategic autonomy.
Strategic Importance of Naval Power
Admiral Prakash's comments come at a crucial time when India's maritime interests are expanding rapidly. With increasing Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean and growing economic dependencies on sea routes, the need for a powerful, capable navy has never been more urgent.
The former navy chief stressed that maritime power extends beyond just naval vessels. It encompasses coastal security, port infrastructure, merchant marine capability, and maritime surveillance systems. A holistic approach to maritime security is essential for a nation with a 7,500-kilometer coastline and significant economic interests at sea.
The Indian Navy currently operates approximately 130 vessels, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, and submarines. However, many of these platforms are aging, and the pace of new inductions hasn't kept up with retirements of older ships. This creates capability gaps that need urgent addressing through accelerated acquisition and indigenous construction programs.
Future Directions and Recommendations
Admiral Prakash called for increased focus on naval modernization and capability enhancement. He emphasized that maritime power projection capabilities are crucial for protecting India's growing economic and strategic interests across the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
The former chief suggested several measures to strengthen India's naval capabilities:
- Accelerated induction of new submarines and surface combatants
- Enhanced maritime surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities
- Greater investment in indigenous shipbuilding and defense technology
- Strengthening partnerships with like-minded maritime nations
The timing of these revelations is particularly significant given the changing geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region. As China continues to expand its naval footprint, and with ongoing security challenges from state and non-state actors, India's maritime preparedness becomes increasingly vital for national security.
Admiral Prakash's frank assessment serves as both a warning and a call to action for policymakers and defense planners. While acknowledging the Indian Navy's professionalism and readiness, he made it clear that much work remains to be done to achieve the comprehensive maritime capability that India needs and deserves.
