India responds to Pakistan Navy’s ‘surprising’ expansion
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi has acknowledged Pakistan’s “surprising” naval expansion in cooperation with China, claiming that Islamabad is prioritizing “weapons over welfare.”
Speaking at a press briefing in New Delhi on Monday, Tripathi noted the rapid growth: “We are aware about the surprising growth of the Pakistan Navy. They are aiming to become a 50-ship force by the next decade.”
“Seeing the economy of Pakistan, it is very surprising how they are building or getting so many ships and submarines,” he said, adding that the Indian Navy is tweaking its operational plans accordingly.
Tripathi went on to say that Pakistan has been building warships and submarines with Chinese assistance, indicating China’s vested interest in bolstering the Pakistan Navy.
He mentioned the construction of eight Hangor II submarines, which would enhance Pakistan’s combat capabilities. The first of these submarines was launched at the Wuchang Shipbuilding yard in Wuhan, China in April, though media reports suggested the timeline for deliveries to Pakistan is uncertain due to a German block on the export of diesel engines to power the submarines.
Tripathi stated that the Indian Navy is “fully aware” of the Pakistani Navy’s operations, including deployment levels, and is prepared to counter any threats from neighboring countries.
He stressed that the Indian Navy continuously monitors activities in the region, including those of “extra-regional forces” such as the Chinese Navy and their research and satellite tracking vessels. “We are committed to ensuring that there is no effect on our interests in the maritime domain by any navy or any country,” Tripathi said.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy is also expanding its own capabilities, according to Tripathi, who revealed plans to finalize two major deals next year, including the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft from France for around 900 billion rupees ($10.6 billion).
Discussions with France for three additional Scorpene submarines are also expected to conclude next month, he stated. These will complement the six Scorpene-class submarines already constructed in India. The induction of these submarines aligns with Project 75 India, which aims to enhance the country’s indigenous submarine capabilities.
The Navy chief announced that India plans to induct around 95 ships over the next decade, focusing on building a future-ready naval force by 2047 to solidify India’s status as a maritime power and ensure credible deterrence.
The Indian government has also approved the construction of two indigenously designed nuclear attack submarines, with plans to complete the first by 2036-37 and the second two years later. India previously operated two nuclear-powered attack submarines leased from Russia.
Next week, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to visit Russia to inaugurate INS Tushil, a Project 11356 stealth frigate built for the Indian Navy at Russia’s Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad.
