India has taken a significant step in countering China’s naval dominance by declaring its first domestically built aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant, fully operational. The 44,000-ton warship, the largest military vessel ever constructed in India, is a milestone in the country’s naval capabilities and a clear signal of its strategic intent in the Indian Ocean.
A Rising Naval Power
The INS Vikrant is equipped to carry 30 aircraft, including Russian MiG-29K fighter jets, American MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, and indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopters. It complements the 40,000-ton INS Vikramaditya, purchased from Russia in 2013, to form a formidable carrier force. The Indian Navy envisions a fleet of at least six aircraft carriers to project power and ensure maritime security.
“With the completion of trials and fleet integration, INS Vikrant is now fully operational and operating under the Western Fleet,” Vice Admiral V. Srinivas announced from Kochi, a major port city on India’s west coast.
Competing With China
China, which boasts the world’s largest navy with more than 370 ships, including three aircraft carriers, has long sought dominance in the Indian Ocean region. India’s naval expansion, highlighted by the Vikrant’s deployment, aims to counter Beijing’s growing influence and its frequent patrols near Indian waters.
China’s military strength includes an estimated 500 nuclear warheads, compared to India’s 172, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Despite the disparity, India’s strategic position and naval advancements make it a key player in the region.
A Dual Carrier Strategy
Earlier this year, India conducted joint operations with the Vikrant and the Vikramaditya off its east coast, showcasing its ability to deploy multiple carriers simultaneously. The display mirrored China’s own dual carrier operations in the South China Sea, underscoring the intensifying naval competition between the two nuclear-armed nations.
Indigenous Development and Future Plans
The Vikrant represents a shift towards self-reliance, with advanced automation systems and the capacity to accommodate a diverse crew of 1,600. India plans to build a second indigenous carrier, projected to cost $5 billion and displace 45,000 tons, further bolstering its naval power.
As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific, India’s investment in indigenous carriers signals its commitment to maintaining balance in the region and challenging China’s maritime ambitions.