Need to respond to China's growing might in Indian Ocean: Navy chief |ForumIAS

ForumIAS LATEST

1. 15 Sept. | Current Affairs Pre-cum-Mains 2027 Morning 11 AM batch starts from 15th Sept. Click Here to Read More →
2. 14 Sept. | Forum Residential Coaching (FRC) for UPSC preparation Click Here to know more →
3. 14 Sept. | GS Advance Program (GSAP) for UPSC 2027 Mains starts from 14th Sept. Click Here to Read More →

Indian Navy Chief has said that the Indian armed forces will need to respond to China’s rapidly-expanding military might, especially its growing naval footprint in the Indian Ocean Region(IOR).
This statement comes after China had released its defence white paper, which mentioned Chinese military’s increased global focus.
China is also in the process of constructing warships including aircraft carriers and submarines on war footing.
However,the Navy chief has highlighted the Indian Navy’s current budgetary constraints.He said that Indian Navy requires long-term fiscal support for major acquisitions in the next few years as part of its modernisation plans.
The Navy currently has around 140 warships and 220 aircraft but many of them are slated for progressive retirement.With proper funding,the Navy hopes to become a 212-warship and 458-aircraft force by around 2030.