India faces a growing strategic challenge as China expands its military footprint and influence in the Indian Ocean region. China's advancements in Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) capabilities, exemplified by its rapidly growing navy and carrier fleet, have raised concerns for India, which seeks to safeguard its interests and maintain regional stability.
The Challenge
China's A2/AD strategy, designed to deter or deny adversaries access to contested areas, poses a significant threat to India's security and maritime dominance.This strategy is backed by a robust naval force, including a formidable fleet of aircraft carriers, submarines, and surface vessels. China's carrier fleet, in particular, is rapidly expanding, with plans for at least six carriers by 2030.
India's Response
Despite facing financial and technological constraints, India is taking steps to bolster its own A2/AD capabilities and counter China's growing influence.- Aircraft Carriers: India has two operational aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. While ambitions for an eight or nine-carrier fleet remain, India faces the challenge of balancing cost and time constraints with its naval expansion plans. The government's recent announcement to build a third carrier similar to INS Vikrant indicates a commitment to enhancing carrier capabilities.
- Submarines: India's submarine program has faced delays and challenges, but the approval of Project 75I signifies a move to strengthen its undersea capabilities. The project aims to build six conventional submarines in India, in collaboration with foreign partners.
- Surface Ships: India is also focusing on enhancing its surface fleet to complement its A2/AD efforts. While financial constraints and technological hurdles have delayed some programs, the Indian Navy is actively pursuing modernization and expansion initiatives.
Additional Considerations
Beyond hardware, India is also focusing on strengthening its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to enhance maritime domain awareness.This includes investments in surveillance aircraft, satellites, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Additionally, India is strengthening its strategic partnerships and alliances in the region to counter China's growing influence.
Challenges and Outlook
India's efforts to match China's A2/AD capabilities face numerous challenges, including budget limitations, technological gaps, and bureaucratic delays. However, India's commitment to enhancing its naval power and strengthening its maritime posture underscores its determination to maintain a strong presence in the Indian Ocean and counter China's growing assertiveness.The future of India's A2/AD capabilities will depend on its ability to overcome these challenges and sustain its naval modernization efforts. By focusing on technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and a balanced approach to naval expansion, India can strive to maintain a credible deterrent against China and ensure its strategic autonomy in the Indian Ocean region.
