India is accelerating its naval expansion with plans to develop a blue-water navy comprising over 200 warships and submarines by 2035, aiming to safeguard its extensive maritime interests and counter increasing maritime threats, notably from the growing alliance between China and Pakistan. The initiative reflects India's commitment to strengthening its naval capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics and strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
As of September 2025, the Indian Navy has 55 warships under construction in domestic shipyards, with an overall cost of approximately $12 billion USD. Additionally, the force has received initial approval for the indigenous construction of another 74 warships and vessels, valued at approximately $26.7 billion USD. These projects include nine diesel-electric submarines, two nuclear-powered attack submarines with plans to increase to six, seven next-generation multi-role stealth frigates, eight anti-submarine warfare corvettes, and 12 mine countermeasure vessels. Other projects in the pipeline include four next-generation destroyers with a displacement of 10,000 tonnes each.
The Navy also remains keen on the indigenous construction of a second aircraft carrier to eventually replace the older Russian-origin INS Vikramaditya. The expansion efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance India's maritime presence and capabilities in the face of growing regional challenges. The Indian Navy currently operates 140 warships, including 17 diesel-electric submarines, two nuclear-powered submarines, and over 250 aircraft and helicopters. The expansion efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance India's maritime presence and capabilities in the face of growing regional challenges
China’s rapidly expanding naval presence in the Indo-Pacific has heightened strategic pressures on India. Beijing currently operates the world’s largest naval fleet, with more than 350 ships including modern destroyers, frigates, nuclear-powered and diesel-electric submarines, and two operational aircraft carriers, alongside extensive amphibious and support vessels, with a 3rd carrier under sea trials. The scale and modernization of China’s fleet, combined with its advanced missile and anti-access/area-denial capabilities, give it a decisive edge in regional maritime power projection. India’s plan to grow its navy to over 200 warships and submarines by 2035 is intended to narrow this capability gap, enhance deterrence, secure critical sea lanes, and project a credible presence across the Indian Ocean, counterbalancing Beijing’s growing influence and reinforcing India’s strategic posture.
With older, obsolescent warships and submarines of the Indian Navy slated for retirement, plans are in place to build the force to over 200 warships and submarines, with 350 naval aircraft and helicopters, over the coming decade. Some estimates suggest that the force-level could even reach 230 warships by 2037.
Analysts warn that India faces significant industrial and fiscal challenges in achieving these targets. Shipyard capacity, a shortage of skilled labor, and the long lead times required for complex platforms such as nuclear-powered vessels could slow construction rates. Budgetary constraints are also a factor, as the program will require tens of billions of dollars over the next decade, potentially competing with other defense and infrastructure priorities. Observers note that meeting the 2035 goal will demand not only accelerated production but also careful coordination with private sector partners, workshare agreements, and efficient project management to avoid delays.
This ambitious expansion plan underscores India's strategic intent to bolster its naval power and maintain a formidable presence in the Indian Ocean region, ensuring the protection of its maritime interests and contributing to regional stability.
Citations: Times of India, The Economic Times, CRS
*Citations will be updated as and when new articles on the topic emerge.
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