In the wake of ongoing Operation Sindoor and growing regional tensions, the Indian Navy finds itself at the forefront of a transformative shift in India’s maritime posture. With the Indian Ocean increasingly becoming a focal point of global strategic and economic activity, national security experts and defence leaders are calling for a reinvigorated maritime strategy that reflects India’s rising profile and responsibilities in the region.
At a high-level dialogue on the “MAHASAGAR Initiative” on Saturday hosted by the Chintan Research Foundation in New Delhi, Admiral RK Dhowan (Retd), former Chief of Naval Staff, underlined the Indian Ocean’s emergence as the new epicentre of geopolitical competition and cooperation.
“The Indian Ocean is the new strategic and economic centre of gravity,” Admiral Dhowan stated. He underscored that India’s maritime forces must be equipped to tackle a wide spectrum of threats — from piracy and maritime terrorism to non-traditional challenges like illegal fishing and climate change.
Highlighting the strategic significance of Operation Sindoor, Dhowan called it a testament to India’s evolved maritime doctrine and its whole-of-nation response capability. “What we witnessed recently demonstrated India’s whole-of-nation response capability, and we remain fully prepared to defend our sovereignty when required,” he remarked.
With over 60 naval vessels currently under construction, the former Indian Navy Chief detailed a long-term vision for enhancing maritime deterrence and preparedness. His roadmap included strengthening partnerships through naval-to-naval cooperation, establishing real-time maritime domain awareness, investing in infrastructure for strategic mobility, and expanding India’s naval presence in critical waters.
The discussions also touched upon environmental security, with Dhowan urging the extension of India’s ‘Swachh Bharat’ mission to the seas. “We must expand the Swachh Bharat spirit to our waters — creating cleaner, safer oceans for future generations cannot wait,” he said, advocating for regional action against marine pollution and climate-related threats.
The MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) Initiative was positioned as India’s comprehensive approach to maritime diplomacy and security, linking the Indian Ocean littorals and the Global South through a shared framework of sustainability, development, and defence collaboration.
As India continues to elevate its maritime strategy, the Indian Navy is seen not just as a defender of national waters but as a central pillar in shaping a stable and rules-based maritime order.
Chintan Research Foundation President, Shishir Priyadarshi, reinforced this vision, stating, “We should focus on peace and stability in the Indian Ocean, because this is what will lead to economic and sustained growth.”
“India is no longer just a stakeholder; it is fast becoming a shaper of maritime outcomes in the region,” said Priyadarshi, underscoring the Navy’s growing stature in regional geopolitics.
