Indian Navy Ready For Any 'Two-Front' Challenge From China, Pakistan: Navy Chief Dinesh K Tripathi

Last Updated:May 31, 2026, 10:24 IST

The Navy has significantly expanded its maritime surveillance network, underwater monitoring systems, anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

The Indian Navy has strengthened its capabilities to tackle potential maritime challenges posed by China and Pakistan, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said, highlighting major improvements in surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and network-centric operations across the Indian Ocean Region.

In an interview with PTI, Admiral Tripathi said the Navy’s strategy is driven by capability requirements and evolving threats rather than targeting any specific country. However, he acknowledged that the Indian Ocean is witnessing increasing strategic competition and a growing presence of extra-regional powers.

“We are fully aware that the Indian Ocean Region is witnessing increasing strategic contestation and greater extra-regional presence, moving us from an ‘era of cooperation’ into an ‘era of intense competition’," he said.

The Navy chief’s remarks come amid China’s expanding naval footprint in the Indian Ocean and its growing defence cooperation with Pakistan. The two countries have deepened their maritime partnership in recent years, with China playing a key role in modernising Pakistan’s naval capabilities. Last month, Pakistan commissioned the first of four Chinese-built diesel-electric attack submarines.

Admiral Tripathi said the Navy constantly evaluates changes in the regional security environment and adapts its force structure, operational concepts and deployment patterns accordingly.

“Our efforts are not aimed at any specific nation, but rather at ensuring the absolute security of India’s maritime interests and contributing to a stable, free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The Navy’s answer to any complex or two-front challenge is credible deterrence backed by capability," he said.

According to him, the Navy has significantly expanded its maritime surveillance network, underwater monitoring systems, anti-submarine warfare capabilities, long-range reconnaissance assets and integrated operational response mechanisms.

He said mission-based deployments at critical maritime choke points and major shipping lanes have enabled the Navy to maintain a continuous presence, improve surveillance and respond quickly to emerging situations.

“Importantly, deterrence is not built merely through numbers. It is built through credible capability, operational readiness, technological integration, sustained presence, and the ability to impose costs, if required," he noted.

The Navy chief also stressed the importance of technological innovation and niche capabilities in maintaining a strategic advantage. He said the force is actively exploring advanced technologies to strengthen operational effectiveness and decision-making.

Expressing confidence in the Navy’s combat readiness, Admiral Tripathi pointed to ongoing modernisation programmes, including the Project 75(I) initiative under which India plans to acquire six stealth submarines. He also referred to plans for expanding the Navy’s fleet to more than 200 ships.

Highlighting progress in defence self-reliance, the Navy chief described Atmanirbharta as a critical element of India’s strategic autonomy and future military strength.

“The most transformative milestone during this period is our definitive shift from a ‘buyer’s navy’ to a ‘builder’s navy’," he said.

He noted that all 45 warships currently under construction are being built in Indian shipyards and that recently commissioned vessels have achieved nearly 80 per cent indigenous content.

Admiral Tripathi said capability enhancement and force modernisation have remained key priorities as the maritime domain becomes increasingly competitive and technologically demanding.

Since 2025, the Navy has inducted two submarines and 18 warships, including destroyers, frigates and anti-submarine warfare vessels, significantly strengthening India’s maritime capabilities and operational readiness.

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