Necessity of Blue Water Navy

India’s geography, economic engagement with rest of the world, development and security are all intimately connected to the maritime domain. The Pre-modern era is the witness of significance of water domain over one country’s dominion which was shown by first Portuguese governor to India ‘Francisco de almeida’ through “Blue water policy” for taking control and monopoly over economic affairs through Indian ocean.

These topographical properties along with India’s geo-strategic location at the head of the Indian ocean have attracted geographers and geologists for ages as such a maritime location offers unlimited opportunities in terms of a number of ports, maritime industries, fisheries, offshore minerals and many other economic resources. But challenges which are like tail of opportunities come with them. Greater is the opportunity, tougher will be the challenge. Similarly Indian maritime domain is also full of challenges.

The Indian Ocean region not only witnesses the trans-national crime including maritime terrorism, gun-running, human trafficking, smuggling, piracy but also faces the expansion and interference of India’s adversaries like China and Pakistan. To tackle Chinese and Pakistan interference and trans- national crimes in Indian maritime domain, Indian Navy adopted multi- approached counter operational strategies but with the time India need to spread its operational area to longer distances for better hold over its adversaries that’s where Blue Water Navy comes into effect.

The Blue water navy is a maritime force that has the capability of carrying out operations over a much larger maritime area than defined by its marine border, and one that can practice sea control over its primary area of interests which become extremely important with two potential adversaries in the neighborhood. Blue water navy is completely a unique featured maritime force having possession of all the essential components for its rope including aircraft carriers, tankers, frigates, fleet support ships, destroyers, offshore patrol vessels, interceptor boats, helicopters and seaboard infrastructure to maintain and support every kind of platforms indigenously and this force doesn’t need to return back for logistic support and refueling.

Logistics exchange agreements will also play a key role in boosting the strength of blue water navy on high seas by relying on the infrastructure and assistance of partner countries to weigh off certain indigenous logistics support. Currently India has such logistics exchange agreement with Quad countries, France, Singapore, South Korea which provides opportunities to India with strategic access over higher maritime domain. An enhancement in the allocated budget for Indian navy by 43% in newly announced budget for the financial year 2022-23 for Indian defense shows the vital significance of building Indian dominance over the Indian ocean region and beyond in order to conserve its interests from being affected by its adversaries and Trans-national crimes.

Presently India doesn’t possess a blue water navy as we still require an increase in naval strength in terms of aircraft carries which we need at least two for east and west waterfront, frigates, destroyers, nuclear powered attack submarines, multiple type of helicopters which is hoped to have an enhancement with increase in naval budget in upcoming decade. This blue water navy will prove to be deterrent to both China and Pakistan and many other trans-national criminals.