Clear waters, clear intent: India's maritime doctrine sets the record straight

India's naval force isn't about seeking conflict; it's about preventing it.

- ASHISH SINGH

In the choppy currents of Indo-Pacific geopolitics, India's naval strategy has often been painted as ambiguous or reactionary. Critics question whether the country has a coherent maritime vision or if it simply shifts course in response to external provocations. These doubts, however, do not hold up under scrutiny. A close reading of India's maritime doctrine reveals a deliberate, transparent, and evolving strategy grounded in national interests, regional stability, and international law.

At the heart of this clarity is the Indian Maritime Doctrine (IMD), the official articulation of naval objectives and operational vision. Far from vague posturing, the doctrine lays out India's naval posture in no uncertain terms. It sets the tone for maritime security, power projection, and regional partnerships, ensuring that India's intentions are not just known but well understood.

DETERRENCE, NOT AGGRESSION
The IMD emphasizes deterrence as a core pillar, not aggression. India's naval force isn't about seeking conflict; it's about preventing it. Deterrence, in this context, means maintaining credible combat capabilities to dissuade adversaries from testing India's resolve. This message is repeated clearly and consistently: the Indian Navy's objective is to avoid war through strength and readiness, not to provoke it.

This principle helps push back on the idea that India is growing its naval presence in a vacuum. With rising tensions in the South China Sea and assertive posturing from other major powers, India's maritime build-up is not an escalation. It's insurance.

SEA CONTROL VS SEA DENIAL