India emerging as major maritime power: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a veiled reference to China’s hegemonic activities at sea, asserted on Wednesday that India stands for “development, not expansion”, while advocating for an “open, secure, inclusive and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.
Addressing a gathering at the commissioning ceremony of three frontline naval platforms — INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer — at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, Modi said, “India operates with a spirit of development, not expansionism. We have always supported an open, secure, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.”
In the strategic context, terms like “open, secure and inclusive” are commonly employed to counter China’s unilateral maritime claims and self-declared no-fly zones over the South China Sea. Modi emphasised the critical role of maritime nations like India in shaping global security, economics and geopolitics.
“There is a need to protect territorial waters, ensure freedom of navigation and secure trade supply lines and sea routes for economic progress and energy security,” he said. The Prime Minister also called for the prevention of misuse of oceanic resources such as rare minerals and fish stocks.
Highlighting India’s economic ties, Modi pointed to partnerships with the 10-nation ASEAN bloc, Australia, Gulf countries and African nations. “India is today recognised as a reliable and responsible global partner, especially among Global South countries,” he said, adding that the country is emerging as a major maritime power.
Modi linked the commissioned platforms to India’s maritime heritage and culture. He said the INS Nilgiri reflects the maritime prowess of the Chola dynasty, INS Surat evokes the era when Gujarat’s ports connected India to West Asia and INS Vaghsheer represents the sixth and final vessel of the Kalvari-class submarines.
Congratulating the armed forces for advancing the “Make-in-India” initiative, Modi highlighted that India’s defence production has surpassed Rs 1.25 lakh crore and that the country now exports defence equipment to over 100 nations. He noted that 60 large ships, worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore, are currently under construction in India.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the commissioning of INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer as a historic milestone, demonstrating the growing strength of the Indian Navy and India’s rising prominence in the Indian Ocean Region.
