Abstract
The change in India’s strategy of economic development since 1991 has made the Indian Ocean critically significant in its strategic thinking, demanding attention beyond its elementary maritime security needs. Accordingly, India changed its security strategy to realize the goal of high economic growth through the medium of sea that required the augmentation of its naval capabilities. This article argues that the improvement in India’s naval capabilities has been driven by its maritime security, developmental and power-projection needs—as they share a symbiotic relationship. The improvement in India’s naval capabilities has added to its national power and enhanced its profile as a sea-faring nation and thereby strengthened its position in the international community. Notwithstanding that, further improvements—both qualitative and quantitative—are required to realize its strategic and economic goals and power projection aspirations.
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