Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar has unequivocally rejected the notion of rivalry with China in terms of fleet-building capacity and plans of the Indian Navy. He underscored that the Indian Navy's primary objective is to safeguard its own national interests, rather than engaging in a competitive mindset with other nations. Speaking during the launch of the stealth-guided missile frigate Vindhyagiri at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata, Admiral Hari Kumar emphasized the significance of protecting, preserving, and promoting India's maritime national interests.
Detailing the Navy's strategic approach, Admiral Hari Kumar explained that the maritime security perspective plan, recently updated in 2022, spans a 15-year horizon and drives the ongoing progression of capability development. He highlighted the Navy's commitment to indigenous manufacturing, revealing that the majority of naval vessels, except for two, are manufactured within India. With a particular focus on the Make in India initiative, he noted that the Navy has achieved an impressive 95 percent indigenization in floating assets.
Admiral Hari Kumar also shared insights into the plans for the second Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) following the successful commissioning of INS Vikrant in September. Expressing confidence in aircraft integration and carrier development, he mentioned that the case for a repeat order is being actively pursued. He acknowledged the evolving expertise within India to undertake such projects and the progress at Cochin Shipyard.
Addressing modern challenges, Admiral Hari Kumar emphasized the significance of unmanned vessels, citing the impact of drone warfare witnessed in conflicts like the Ukraine-Russia conflict. He revealed that the Navy is actively advancing the development of remotely piloted surface craft and underwater unmanned vehicles, along with forming a remotely piloted squadron. He stressed the Navy's commitment to enhancing these capabilities in response to changing global dynamics.
Regarding naval cooperation, the Admiral highlighted India's engagement with neighboring Bangladesh. He indicated the progress of a shipbuilding cooperation initiative with Bangladesh, aiming at a joint venture or collaboration between shipyards. This cooperative endeavor seeks to build common-purpose offshore patrol vessels, tugs, and warships. Admiral Hari Kumar reiterated India's commitment to robust naval cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region, fostering good relations with neighboring nations.
