India’s Naval Strategy: Implications for Regional Security Architecture

Abstract

This research thesis employs deductive reasoning using existing literature and primary sources to explore the connection between India's naval strategy, grand national strategy, and foreign policy. It seeks to understand how India's geopolitical vision and interests influence its naval thinking and strategy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The study uses qualitative methods, including explanatory and exploratory research, to analyze factors shaping Indian naval strategy. These factors include India's engagement in Indo-Pacific strategy of the U.S., an assertive foreign policy under the premiership of Narendra Modi, a shift from strategic autonomy to aligning with U.S.-led alliances, and its role as a 'net security provider' in the IOR. The theoretical framework of offensive realism contextualizes India's pursuit of regional dominance and pre-eminence. The research identifies how India seeks to revise the regional and global order by projecting itself as a net security provider in the broader Indo-Pacific region. The research traces the origins of India's naval strategy, acknowledging historical influences from strategic thinkers like Kavalam Panikkar and Kaishav Vaidya. It categorizes Indian naval development into three phases: self-realization, naval expansion, and pursuit of regional hegemony in the more contemporary context. India's growing naval presence and capability development indicates its geopolitical interests and strategic ambitions in the IOR. The research also assesses the role of India's sea-based nuclear capability and identifies that its war-fighting potential goes beyond merely playing the requirements of deterrence; instead serves as a war-fighting tool. Hence, India's naval nuclear program also risks strategic stability in South Asia. The study envisions India as a leading naval power in the IOR by forecasting the evolving regional security architecture. Factors such as increased militarization, limited warfare risks, submarine arms race, and India's involvement with the U.S.-led Quad alliance are likely detrimental in shaping the region's security landscape. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that India's aggressive naval strategy aims to reshape the security architecture in the IOR. India seeks to exert sea control through a decisive naval force, project regional dominance, and attain a higher political stature internationally. However, pursuing strategic supremacy over weaker adversaries like Pakistan poses challenges to deterrence stability in the region. India's assertive naval posture, driven by geopolitical ambitions, significantly impacts the regional security environment.