India’s maritime history is deeply intertwined with its broader cultural and economic development. From the dockyards of the Indus Valley Civilization to the naval expeditions of the Chola dynasty, India’s seafaring heritage has long shaped its interactions with the world. Ancient shipbuilding centres such as Lothal facilitated trade with Mesopotamia, Egypt, and beyond, laying the foundations of India’s maritime dominance.

The Chola dynasty’s formidable naval expeditions in Southeast Asia during the 10th and 11th centuries are particularly notable, as they symbolised India’s strategic outreach and influence over maritime trade routes. These efforts cemented India’s reputation as a maritime power and a cultural bridge across the Indian Ocean.

The colonial period, however, marked a sharp decline in India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. British policies deliberately suppressed local industries, redirecting resources to serve imperial interests. However, India’s post-independence revival of shipbuilding reflected a renewed commitment to self-reliance. Projects like the Nilgiri-class frigates in the 1970s marked the transition from license-built designs to indigenous production despite significant technological and resource constraints.

India boasts a dynamic and evolving shipbuilding ecosystem today. Public sector players such as Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) have spearheaded the construction of advanced warships and submarines. Private sector contributions have complemented these state-owned enterprises, including Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and the Adani Group, which are increasingly integral to the nation’s maritime ambitions.

MDL’s achievement in delivering two advanced warships—INS Surat, a Visakhapatnam-class destroyer, and INS Nilgiri, a Project 17A frigate—on the same day in 2024 exemplifies the progress made in efficiency and technological integration. Similarly, CSL’s construction of INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, marks a defining moment in the country’s shipbuilding journey.

The commissioning of Visakhapatnam-class destroyers and Scorpène-class submarines highlights India’s ability to integrate cutting-edge technology for multi-role combat and stealth operations. These platforms are equipped with state-of-the-art propulsion systems, advanced sensors, and stealth features, showcasing India’s growing sophistication in naval design.

Private sector initiatives have injected fresh energy into the industry. The Adani Group’s ₹45,000 crore shipbuilding project at Mundra Port aims to position India as a global hub for eco-friendly vessels, addressing the growing demand for sustainable maritime solutions. Meanwhile, defence industrial corridors in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh foster innovation and reduce reliance on imports.

India’s rise as a maritime power has far-reaching implications. The Indian Ocean, a critical conduit for global trade and energy flows, has become a contested space amid China’s growing naval assertiveness. India’s indigenous shipbuilding efforts are pivotal in maintaining regional stability and counterbalancing external pressures.

China’s naval expansion—building approximately 20 warships annually—has raised concerns across Southeast Asia and beyond. India’s response has been to strengthen its own naval capabilities, ensuring it can deter aggression and safeguard critical sea lanes. This approach aligns with the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy, emphasising cooperative security and regional stability.

India’s naval diplomacy has reinforced its position as a net security provider. Collaborative efforts with nations like Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines have enhanced maritime capacity building and promoted shared security objectives. Furthermore, partnerships with France, Japan, and the United States have deepened interoperability and strategic cooperation, reflecting India’s growing influence in global maritime governance.

India’s proactive engagement with regional multilateral platforms such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Quad highlights its commitment to fostering inclusive maritime security frameworks. These efforts resonate with Southeast Asian nations seeking to navigate the complexities of great-power competition while safeguarding their sovereignty.

While India’s progress is commendable, significant challenges remain. Dependency on imports for critical technologies, including propulsion systems and advanced sensors, limits India’s strategic autonomy. Additionally, the pace of shipbuilding—at 2-3 warships annually—lags behind regional competitors like China, which far outstrips India in scale and efficiency.

India’s shipbuilding sector also faces structural constraints, including high raw material costs and limited manufacturing infrastructure. Addressing these challenges requires sustained investment in research and development, coupled with policy measures to attract private-sector participation and foreign direct investment.

Nonetheless, opportunities abound. Government initiatives such as the Maritime Development Fund, with a proposed corpus of ₹25,000 crore, aim to strengthen shipbuilding infrastructure and foster innovation. The global push for decarbonisation also presents a lucrative market for eco-friendly vessels, where India’s emerging capabilities can play a significant role.

India’s maritime ambitions hinge on embracing advanced technologies and fostering indigenous innovation. Autonomous platforms, such as Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), are poised to redefine naval operations. Companies like Sagar Defence Engineering are at the forefront of developing AI-driven solutions for coastal surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and real-time data analytics.

The next phase of India’s submarine program, including Project 75I, focuses on Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems that enhance stealth and endurance. Concurrently, the expansion of nuclear-powered submarines under the SSN and SSBN programs shows India’s commitment to achieving true blue-water navy capabilities.

Public-private collaborations are central to this transformation. Defence production corridors and strategic partnerships with technologically advanced nations enable India to reduce its reliance on imports, enhance production efficiency, and build a robust indigenous ecosystem.

India’s warship-building journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and strategic foresight. From ancient maritime traditions to modern technological advancements, the nation has charted a path that bridges its rich history with its aspirations for the future. By strengthening its naval capabilities, India secures its sovereignty and emerges as a stabilising force in an increasingly multipolar world.

As India’s maritime influence grows, it offers valuable lessons for Southeast Asian nations navigating their own security challenges. Collaborative approaches, bolstered by indigenous innovation, can enhance regional resilience against shared threats. India’s model—combining strategic autonomy with cooperative security—provides a blueprint for fostering a stable and inclusive maritime order in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

India’s investments in autonomous vessels, advanced submarines, and eco-friendly ships are not just technological milestones but strategic imperatives that reflect its growing stature in the global maritime arena. As India continues to innovate and expand its naval footprint, it is poised to shape the future of naval power, regional security, and global maritime governance for decades.