View source for Indian Navy

{{Short description|Maritime service branch of the Indian Armed Forces}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Indian Navy
| native_name                   = भारतीय नौसेना
| image                         = Indian Navy Insignia.png
| image_size                    = 100px
| alt                           = 
| caption                       = Emblem of the Indian Navy
| start_date                    = {{Start date and age|df=yes|26 January 1950}} (''as current service'')
----
{{Start date and age|df=yes|5 September 1612}} (''as [[Royal Indian Navy|East India Company's Marine]]''){{sfn|Bhatia|1977|pp=28}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indiannavy.nic.in/content/genesis-indian-navy|title=Genesis of Indian Navy|access-date=8 January 2022}}</ref>
| disbanded                     = 
| country                       = {{flag|India}}
| allegiance                    = 
| branch                        = 
| type                          = [[Navy]]
| role                          = [[Naval warfare]], [[force projection]], [[sealift]], [[Massive retaliation|nuclear deterrence]]
| size                          = 64,000 active personnel<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=192200|title=Strength of Defence Forces|accessdate=31 July 2024}}</ref><br />50,000 reserve personnel<ref name=":10">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Vk8-vgAACAAJ&q=IISS+2017|title=The Military Balance 2017|last=The International Institute of Strategic Studies|date=14 February 2017|publisher=Routledge, Chapman & Hall, Incorporated|isbn=9781857439007|language=en}}</ref><br /> ([[List of active Indian Navy ships|250 ships]] including [[auxiliary ship|auxiliaries]])<br />Approx. [[List of active Indian military aircraft#Naval Air Arm|300 aircraft]]
| command_structure             = {{armed forces|India}}
| garrison                      = [[Delhi Cantonment|Nausena Bhawan]], [[Delhi Cantonment]], [[New Delhi]]
| garrison_label                = Headquarters
| nickname                      = 
| patron                        = 
| motto                         = [[Varuna|{{transliteration|sa|ISO|Shaṁ No Varunaḥ}}]] {{small|([[ISO 15919|ISO]])}}<br />{{Translation|'May the Lord of Water be auspicious to us'}} (Taken from [[Taittiriya Upanishad]])<ref>{{cite book |last1=A. Mahadev |first1=Shastri |title=Taittiriya Upanishad |date=1901 |location=Mysore |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.21759/page/n5/mode/2up}}</ref>
| colours                       = Navy blue, gold and white <br /> {{color box|#041A2A}} {{color box|#FFD700}} {{color box|#FFFFF}}
| colours_label                 = 
| march                         = {{plainlist|
*Quick: ''Jai Bharati''<br />(Victory to India)
*Slow: ''Anand Lok''<br />(Realm of Joy)
}}
| mascot                        = 
| anniversaries                 = [[Navy Day (India)|Navy Day]]: 4 December
| equipment                     = {{collapsible list
  |titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal;
  |title = {{As of|2025|lc=on}}
|2 [[Aircraft carriers]]<br /> 1 [[Amphibious transport dock]]<br /> 4 [[Landing Ship Tank]]s<br />  8 [[Landing Craft Utility]]<br /> 13 [[Destroyer]]s<br /> 15 [[Frigate]]s<br /> 18 [[Corvette]]s<br /> 3 [[Nuclear submarine]]s<br />17 [[Submarine|Diesel Submarine]]s<br /> 10 [[Offshore Patrol Vessels]]<br /> 115 [[Patrol vessels]] <br /> 5 [[Replenishment Oiler]]s<br /> Other auxiliary vessels
}}
| equipment_label               = [[List of active Indian Navy ships|Operational fleet]]
| battles                       = {{collapsible list
  |titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal;
  |title = Major wars and operations
|[[Portuguese-Indian War]] <br /> [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]]<br />
[[Operation Trident (1971)|Operation Trident]]<br />[[1971 JVP Insurrection|1971 insurgency in Ceylon]]<br />[[Operation Python]]<br />[[Indo-Pakistani Naval War of 1971]]<br />[[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]<br />[[Operation Lal Dora]]<br />[[Operation Cactus]]<br />[[Operation Flowers are Blooming]]<br />[[Operation Talwar|Kargil War (Operation Talwar)]]<br />[[Piracy in Somalia|Anti-piracy operations in Somalia]]<br>[[2008 India–Pakistan standoff]]<br>[[2016–2018 India–Pakistan border skirmishes]]<br>[[2019 India–Pakistan border skirmishes]]<br>[[2025 India–Pakistan border skirmishes]]
}}
| battles_label                 = 
| decorations                   = 
| battle_honours                = 
| battle_honours_label          = 
| website                       = {{URL|http://indiannavy.nic.in/|Official website}}
<!-- Commanders -->| current_commander             = 
| commander1                    = {{flagicon|India}} [[President of India|President]] [[Droupadi Murmu]]
| commander1_label              = [[Commander-in-chief#India|Commander-in-Chief]]
| commander2                    = {{Flagicon image|Admiral ensign of Indian Navy.svg}} [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] [[Dinesh Kumar Tripathi]]
| commander2_label              = [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS)]]
| commander3                    = {{Flagicon image|Vice Admiral ensign of Indian Navy.svg}} [[Vice Admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]] [[Krishna Swaminathan]]
| commander3_label              = [[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS)]]
| commander4                    = [[Navy Master Chief Petty Officer|Dilbahadur Chhetri, MCERA I]]
| commander4_label              = [[Navy Master Chief Petty Officer]]
| commander5                    = 
| commander5_label              = 
| notable_commanders            = {{plainlist|
* {{Flagicon image|Admiral_ensign_of_Indian_Navy.svg}} [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] [[Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda|S. M. Nanda]]
* {{Flagicon image|Admiral_ensign_of_Indian_Navy.svg}} [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] [[Sourendra Nath Kohli]]
* {{Flagicon image|Admiral_ensign_of_Indian_Navy.svg}} [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] [[Ram Dass Katari]]}}
<!-- Insignia -->| identification_symbol         = [[File:Naval Ensign of India.svg|140px|border]]
| identification_symbol_label   = [[Indian Naval Ensign|Ensign]]
| identification_symbol_2       = [[File:Flag of India.svg|140px|border]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = [[Flag of India|National Flag]]
| identification_symbol_3       = [[File:Commissioning pennant of India.svg|200px]]
| identification_symbol_3_label = [[Commissioning pennant|Pennant]]
| identification_symbol_4       = [[File:President's Colour of Indian Navy.svg|150px]]
| identification_symbol_4_label = [[President's Colour Award|President's Colour]]
<!-- Aircraft -->| aircraft_attack               = 
| aircraft_bomber               = 
| aircraft_electronic           = 
| aircraft_fighter              = [[Mikoyan MiG-29K]], [[Dassault Rafale|Dassault Rafale-M]]
| aircraft_helicopter           = [[HAL Dhruv|Dhruv]], [[Kamov Ka-28|Ka-28]], [[Kamov Ka-31|Ka-31]], [[Westland Sea King|Sea King Mk.42C]], [[UH-3 Sea King]], [[HAL Chetak|Chetak]], [[Sikorsky MH-60R]]
| aircraft_helicopter_attack    = 
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo     = 
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole = 
| aircraft_helicopter_observation = 
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer   = 
| aircraft_helicopter_utility   = [[HAL Dhruv|Dhruv]]
| aircraft_interceptor          = 
| aircraft_patrol               = [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon]], [[Dornier 228]], [[Britten-Norman BN-2]]
| aircraft_recon                = [[IAI Heron]], [[IAI Searcher|IAI Searcher Mk II]], [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardian]]
| aircraft_trainer              = [[BAE Hawk]], [[HAL HJT-16 Kiran|HAL HJT-16]], [[Pipistrel Virus]], [[Mikoyan MiG-29K#variants|MiG-29KUB]]
| aircraft_transport            = 
| aircraft_tanker               = 
| aircraft_general              = 
}}

The '''Indian Navy''' is the [[navy|maritime branch]] of the [[Indian Armed Forces]]. The [[President of India]] is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Navy. The [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of Naval Staff]], a [[four-star rank|four-star]] [[Admiral (India)|admiral]], commands the navy. As a [[blue-water navy]], it operates significantly in the [[Persian Gulf|Persian Gulf Region]], the [[Horn of Africa]], the [[Strait of Malacca]], and routinely conducts anti-piracy operations with other navies in the region. It also conducts routine two to three month-long deployments in the [[South China Sea|South]] and [[East China Sea|East China]] seas as well as in the western [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean sea]] simultaneously.

The primary objective of the navy is to safeguard the nation's maritime borders, and in conjunction with other [[Indian Armed Forces|Armed Forces of the union]], act to deter or defeat any threats or aggression against the territory, people or maritime interests of India, both in war and peace. Through joint exercises, goodwill visits and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief, the Indian Navy promotes bilateral relations between nations. Since October 2008, the Indian Navy keeps at least one frontline warship on continuous deployment in the [[Gulf of Aden]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Indian Navy to commission four warships, submarines in a mth |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/indian-navy-set-to-introduce-four-warships-and-submarines-soon/articleshow/115945345.cms |access-date=2024-12-04 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

As of June 2019, the Indian Navy has 67,252 active<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 July 2019|title=Strength of Defence Forces|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1580095|access-date=16 October 2019|website=pib.gov.in}}</ref> and 75,000 reserve personnel in service and has a fleet of 150 ships and submarines, and 300 aircraft.<ref name="size">{{Cite web|last=Dutta|first=Amrita Nayak|date=2020-11-18|title=Hit by budget crunch, Indian Navy now plans to buy 2 Landing Platform Docks instead of 4|url=https://theprint.in/defence/hit-by-budget-crunch-indian-navy-now-plans-to-buy-2-landing-platform-docks-instead-of-4/546361/|access-date=2020-11-27|website=ThePrint|language=en-US|quote=[...] current strength of 150 ships and submarines.}}</ref><ref name="sizedod">{{Cite web|title=FAQ {{!}} Department Of Defence|url=https://www.mod.gov.in/dod/faq#:~:text=The%20Indian%20Navy%27s%20present%20force%20level%20comprises%20about%20150%20ships%20and%20submarines.|access-date=2020-11-27|website=www.mod.gov.in|quote=Q 1. What are the current Force Levels of the Indian Navy? [...] Ans. The Indian Navy's present force level comprises about 150 ships and submarines. [...]}}</ref> As of 2025, the operational fleet consists of 2 active [[aircraft carriers]] and 1 [[amphibious transport dock]], 4 [[Landing Ship, Tank|landing ship tanks]], 8 [[Landing Craft Utility|landing craft utility]], 13 [[destroyer]]s, 15 [[frigate]]s, 2 [[ballistic missile submarines]], 17 conventionally-powered [[attack submarine]]s, 18 [[corvette]]s, one [[mine countermeasure vessel]], 4 [[Replenishment oiler|fleet tankers]] and numerous other [[Auxiliary ship|auxiliary vessels]], [[Patrol boat|small patrol boats]] and sophisticated ships. It is considered as a multi-regional power projection [[blue-water navy]].<ref name="Lindberg-classification">{{cite book|first1=Daniel |last1=Todd |first2=Michael |last2=Lindberg|title=Navies and Shipbuilding Industries: The Strained Symbiosis|date=1996|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=9780275953102|pages=56–57|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=he5KL_tWQvMC|access-date=30 November 2015|ref=Todd-1996}}</ref><ref name="Kirchberger">{{cite book|last1=Kirchberger|first1=Sarah| oclc=911616881| title=Assessing China's Naval Power: Technological Innovation, Economic Constraints, and Strategic Implications|date=2015| location=Heidelberg|publisher=Springer|isbn=9783662471272|page=60}}<!--|access-date=4 December 2015--></ref>

== History ==
{{Main|History of the Indian Navy}}
[[File:Indian ship on lead coin of Vashishtiputra Shri Pulumavi.jpg|thumb|Ancient Indian ship on lead coin of [[Vasisthiputra Sri Pulamavi]], testimony to the naval, seafaring and trading capabilities of the [[Sātavāhana Empire]], during the 1st–2nd century CE.]]

===Early maritime history===
{{Main|Indian maritime history}}
{{Further|Maritime history of Odisha||}}
[[File:Ajanta Cave 2 three-mast sailship.jpg|thumb|right|Three-mast sailship, [[Ajanta Caves]] Cave No.2 c. 5th century.]]
[[File:Boita- Brahmeswara Temple.jpg|thumb|right|Sculptured frieze depicting two [[Boita]]s of Ancient [[Kalinga (historical region)|Kalinga]] found near [[Brahmeswara Temple]]. 10th century.]]
The [[maritime history]] of [[India]] dates back 6,000 years to the pre-[[Indus Valley civilisation]].<ref name="Interesting facts about India - India.gov.in Archive">{{cite web|title=Interesting facts about India|url=http://india.gov.in/myindia/facts.php|website=India|publisher=Government of India|access-date=17 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071206014250/http://india.gov.in/myindia/facts.php|archive-date=6 December 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> A [[Kutch district|Kutch]] mariner's log book from 19th century recorded that the first tidal dock in India was built at [[Lothal]] around 2300 BC during the [[Indus Valley Civilisation]], near the present-day harbor of [[Mangrol, Kathiawar|Mangrol]] on the Gujarat coast. The [[Rigveda|Rig Veda]] credits [[Varuna]], the [[Hindu]] god of water and the [[celestial ocean]],{{Sfn|Sen|1999|p=48}} with knowledge of the ocean routes and describes the use of ships having hundred oars in the naval expeditions by Indians. There are also references to the side wings of a ship called ''Plava'', which stabilise the vessel during storms. ''Plava'' are considered to be the precursors of modern-day stabilisers.<ref name="Early History of Indian Navy - IN">{{cite web|title=Early History of the Indian Navy|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/1402|website=Indian Navy|access-date=17 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921190102/http://indiannavy.nic.in/node/1402|archive-date=21 September 2016}}</ref>

[[Alexander the Great]], during his campaigns in India, built a harbour at the ancient city of [[Regio Patalis|Patala]], which has been hyphothzied to be the present day city of [[Thatta]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Burnes |first=Alexander |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/cbo9781107589513 |title=Travels into Bokhara |date=2014-07-31 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |doi=10.1017/cbo9781107589513 |isbn=978-1-108-07546-6}}</ref> His army retreated to [[Mesopotamia]] using ships built at [[Sindh]]. In the period after his conquest, records show that the Emperor of [[Maurya Empire]], [[Chandragupta Maurya]], as a part of his war office, established an Admiralty Division. Many historians from ancient India recorded Indian trade relations. Indian trade reached [[Java]] and [[Sumatra]]. There were also references to the trade routes of countries in the [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] and [[Indian Ocean|Indian]] Ocean. India also had [[Indo-Roman trade relations|trade relations]] with the [[Greeks]] and the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]]. At one instance Roman historian [[Pliny the Elder|Gaius Plinius Secundus]] mentioned Indian traders carrying away large masses of gold and silver from Rome, in payment for skins, precious stones, clothes, indigo, sandalwood, herbs, perfumes, and spices.<ref name="Early History of Indian Navy - IN" />

During 5–10 AD, [[Kalinga (historical region)|Kalinga]] conquered Western Java, [[Sumatra]] and [[Malay Archipelago|Malaya]]. The [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] served as an important halt point for trade ships en route to these nations and as well as China.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://magazines.odisha.gov.in/Orissareview/2011/Nov/engpdf/39-41.pdf|title=Maritime Trade of Ancient Kalinga|access-date=5 June 2024}}</ref>

===Middle Ages===
{{Main|Chola Navy}}
{{Further|South-East Asia campaign of Rajendra I}}[[File:Rajendra map new.png|left|thumb|Chola territories during [[Rajendra Chola I]], c. 1030]]Medieval Empires in the Indian subcontinent further developed their naval forces. During 844–848 AD the daily revenue from these nations was expected to be around 200 [[maund (unit)|maund]]s ({{convert|8|t}}) of gold. During 984–1042 AD, under the reign of [[Raja Raja Chola I]], [[Rajendra Chola I]] and [[Kulothunga Chola I]], a naval expedition by the [[Chola dynasty]] captured parts of [[Burma]], Sumatra, [[Sri Lanka]], and Malaya, and simultaneously repressed pirate activities by Sumatran [[warlord]]s.<ref name="Early History of Indian Navy - IN" />{{Sfn|Findlay|2009|p=67}}

{{Quote box|width=300px|bgcolor=#E0E6F8|align=right|quote=... built of fir timber, having a sheath of boards laid over the planking in every part, caulked with oakum and fastened with iron nails. The bottoms were smeared with a preparation of quicklime and hemp, pounded together and mixed with oil from a certain tree which is a better material than pith|source=<ref name="Early History of Indian Navy - IN" />|title='''[[Marco Polo]]'s remark on Indian ships''' (1292 AD)|title_fnt = Arial |tstyle = font size="25";}}

During the 14th and 15th centuries, Indian shipbuilding and maritime abilities skill set exceeded European capabilities at the time. Their ships could carry over a hundred crew and were compartmentalized to limit the effect of damage keeping the ship afloat.<ref name="Early History of Indian Navy - IN" />

===Decline===

By the end of 15th century Indian naval power had started to decline, and had reached its low by the time the Portuguese entered India. Soon after they set foot in India, the Portuguese started to seize all Asian vessels not permitting their trade. Amidst this, in 1529, a naval war at [[Bombay Harbour]] resulted in the surrender of [[Thane]], [[Karanja, Raigad|Karanja]], and [[Bandora, Goa|Bandora]]. By 1534, the Portuguese took complete control over [[Mumbai Harbour|Bombay Harbour]]. The [[Zamorin of Calicut]] challenged the Portuguese trade when [[Vasco da Gama]] refused to pay the customs levy as per the trade agreement. This resulted in two major naval wars, the first one—[[Battle of Cochin (1504)|Battle of Cochin]], was fought in 1504, and the second engagement happened four years later off [[Diu, India|Diu]]. Both these wars exposed the weakness of Indian maritime power and simultaneously helped the Portuguese to gain mastery over the Indian waters.<ref name="Early History of Indian Navy - IN" /> However, in 1526 the Zamorin launched the ''siege of Calicut'' on the Portuguese forts in [[Calicut]], successfully eliminating Portuguese influence in the city.<ref name="Mathew">{{Cite book |last=Mathew |first=K. M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Kl3IR3RJTIEC&pg=PA165 |title=History of the Portuguese Navigation in India, 1497-1600 |date=1988 |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-7099-046-8 |language=en}}</ref>

===Later revival===
{{Further|Mughal Navy|Maratha Navy}}
By the later seventeenth century Indian naval power revived. The [[Mughal Empire]] maintained a significant naval fleet although it was the weakest branch of the [[Army of the Mughal Empire|military]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Roy |first=Atulchandra |date=1961 |title=Naval Strategy of the Mughals in Bengal |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44140736 |journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress |volume=24 |pages=170–175 |jstor=44140736 |issn=2249-1937}}</ref> 
[[File:Avery_Chasing_the_Great_Mughal's_Ship.jpg|thumb|250x250px|The [[Ganj-i-Sawai]], one of the largest trade ships in the 17th century.]]
Empress [[Mariam-uz-Zamani]] maintained large fleets of trade ships including the ''[[Rahīmī]]'' and ''[[Ganj-i-Sawai]]''.<ref name=":15">{{cite journal |last1=Safdar |first1=Aiysha |last2=Khan |first2=Muhammad Azam |year=2021 |title=History of Indian Ocean-A south Indian perspective |url=http://pu.edu.pk/home/journal/44/v7_no1_21.html |journal=Journal of Indian Studies |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=186–188 |quote=The Empress, Mariam Zamani then ordered the building of an even larger ship with 62 guns and placements for over 400 musket men. It was named Ganj-i-Sawai, and it was in its day the most fearsome ship on the seas, and its objective was to trade and take pilgrims to Mecca, and on the way back convert all the goods sold into gold and silver as well as bring the pilgrims back. But then the English, posing as pirates, attacked with a 25-ship armada of alleged pirates. At Mecca, they claimed they were slave traders.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=11 April 2021 |title=Harking back: The Empress and her two doomed pilgrim ships |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1617497/harking-back-the-empress-and-her-two-doomed-pilgrim-ships}}</ref> The Rahimi was the largest of the Indian ships trading in the [[Red Sea]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Findly |first=Ellison B. |date=1988 |title=The Capture of Maryam-uz-Zamānī's Ship: Mughal Women and European Traders |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/603650 |journal=Journal of the American Oriental Society |volume=108 |issue=2 |pages=227–238 |doi=10.2307/603650 |issn=0003-0279 |jstor=603650|url-access=subscription }}</ref> After being sacked by pirates, this ship was replaced by the ''[[Ganj-i-Sawai|Ganj-i-Sawa]].'' This ship was eventually sacked by English Pirate [[Henry Every]].''<ref>{{cite journal |year=1812 |title=The trial of Joseph Dawson, Edward Forseith, William May, Wm. Bishop, James Lewis, and John Sparkes, at the Old-Bailey, for felony and piracy |journal=A Complete Collection of State Trials and Proceedings for High Treason and Other Crimes and Misdemeanors |volume=13 |issue=392, column 451}}</ref>'' The Navy mainly patrolled coastal areas. The navy was active in the [[Siege of Hooghly]] and the [[Anglo-Mughal War (1686–1690)|Anglo-Mughal War]].<ref>{{cite book |author1=H. C. Das |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=im1DAAAAYAAJ&q=nicholson%20bengal%20mughal%2010%20warships |title=Glimpses of History and Culture of Balasore |author2=Indu Bhusan Kar |date=1988 |publisher=Orissa State Museum |editor1-last=Pani |editor1-first=Subas |page=66 |language=en |access-date=3 July 2023}}</ref><ref name="Unseen Enemy The English, Disease, and Medicine in Colonial Bengal, 1617-1847">{{cite book |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Sudip |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IZJJDAAAQBAJ |title=Unseen Enemy The English, Disease, and Medicine in Colonial Bengal, 1617-1847 |date=2014 |publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing |isbn=9781443863094 |language=En |format=ebook |access-date=3 July 2023}}</ref> One of the best-documented naval campaign of the Mughal empire were provided during the [[Shaista Khan#Conquest of Chittagong|conflict against kingdom of Arakan]], where in December 1665, Aurangzeb dispatched [[Shaista Khan]], his governor of Bengal to command 288 vessels and more than 20,000 men to pacify the pirate activities within [[Arakan|Arakan territory]] and to capture [[Chittagong]],<ref name="Command of the Coast: The Mughal Navy and Regional Strategy">{{cite journal |last1=de la Garza |first1=Andrew |date=February 2014 |title=Command of the Coast: The Mughal Navy and Regional Strategy |url=https://worldhistoryconnected.press.uillinois.edu/12.1/forum_delagarza.html |journal=World History Connected |publisher=Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois |volume=12 |issue=1 |access-date=23 May 2023}}</ref>[[File:Mahratta pirates attacking the sloop 'Aurora', of the Bombay Marine, 1812; end of the action RMG BHC1085.tiff|thumb|left|A depiction of a [[Maratha Navy|Maratha]] naval attack in 1812 against the [[East India Company]]'s ship [[HCS Aurora (1809)|''Aurora'']].]]

The [[Maratha Confederacy]] had a significant [[Maratha Navy|coastal navy]]. The alliance of the [[Mughals|Moghuls]] and the [[Janjira State|Sidis of Janjira]] was marked as a major power on the west coast. On the southern front, the 1st Sovereign of the [[Maratha Kingdom]], [[Shivaji|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj]], started creating his own fleet. His fleet was commanded by notable admirals like Sidhoji Gujar and [[Kanhoji Angre]]. The [[Maratha Navy]] under the leadership of Angre kept the English, Dutch and Portuguese away from the Konkan coast. However, the Marathas witnessed remarkable decline in their naval capabilities following the death of Angre in 1729.<ref name="Early History of Indian Navy - IN" />

The origins of the current Indian Navy date to 1612, when an English vessel under the command of Captain [[Thomas Best (navy captain)|Thomas Best]] defeated the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] at the [[Battle of Swally]]. Although the Portuguese were defeated, this incident along with the trouble caused by the pirates to the merchant vessels, forced the British to maintain fleet near [[Surat]], Gujarat. [[East India Company]] (HEIC) formed a naval arm, and the first squadron of fighting ships reached the Gujarat coast on 5 September 1612. Their objective was to protect British merchant shipping off the [[Gulf of Cambay]] and up the [[Narmada]] and [[Tapti]] rivers. As the HEIC continued to expand its rule and influence over different parts of India, the responsibility of Company's Marine increased too.<ref name="Genesis of Indian Navy">{{cite web |title=Genesis of Indian Navy |url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/1410 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706075113/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/1410 |archive-date=6 July 2017 |access-date=18 June 2017 |website=Indian Navy}}</ref>

Over time, the British predominantly operated from Bombay, and in 1686, the HEIC's naval arm was renamed the Bombay Marine. At times the Bombay Marine engaged Dutch, French, Maratha, and Sidi vessels. Much later, it was also involved in the [[First Anglo-Burmese War]] of 1824.

===East India Company to independence===
{{Main|Royal Indian Navy (1612–1950)}}In 1834, the Bombay Marine became Her Majesty's Indian Navy. The Navy saw action in the [[First Opium War]] of 1840 and in the [[Second Anglo-Burmese War]] in 1852. Due to some unrecorded reasons, the Navy's name reverted to the Bombay Marine from 1863 to 1877, after which it was named Her Majesty's Indian Marine. At that time, the Marine operated in two divisions—the Eastern Division at Calcutta under the Superintendent of Bay of Bengal, and the Western Division at Bombay Superintendent of Arabian Sea.<ref name="Genesis of Indian Navy" /> 
In 1892, the Marine was renamed the Royal Indian Marine, and by the end of the 19th century it operated over fifty ships. The Marine participated in World War I with a fleet of patrol vessels, troop carriers, and minesweepers. In 1928, D. N. Mukherji was the first Indian to be granted a commission, in the rank of an Engineer [[Sub-lieutenant]]. Also in 1928, the RIM was accorded combatant status, which entitled it to be considered a true fighting force and to fly the [[White Ensign]] of the Royal Navy.{{Sfn|Singh|1986|pp=45–46}} In 1934, the Marine was upgraded to a full naval force, thus becoming the [[Royal Indian Navy|Royal Indian Navy (RIN)]], and was presented the King's colours in recognition of its services to the British Crown.<ref name="Genesis of Indian Navy" />

During the early stages of [[World War II]], the tiny Royal Indian Navy consisted of five sloops, one survey vessel, one depot ship, one patrol vessel and numerous assorted small craft; personnel strength was at only 114 officers and 1,732 sailors.{{Sfn|Singh|1986|pp=32–33}} The onset of war led to an expansion in numbers of vessels and personnel. By June 1940, the navy had doubled its number in terms of both personnel and material, and expanded nearly six times of its pre-war strength by 1942.{{Sfn|Singh|1986|pp=34}} The navy was actively involved in operations during the war around the world and was heavily involved in operations around the [[Indian Ocean]], including convoy escorts, mine-sweeping and supply, as well as supporting amphibious assaults.<ref name="Genesis of Indian Navy" />
[[File:HMIS Bombay (305827).jpg|thumb|{{HMIS|Bombay|J249|6}} of Royal Indian Navy in Sydney Harbour during [[World War II]]]]

When hostilities ceased in August 1945, the Royal Indian Navy had expanded to a personnel strength of over 25,000 officers and sailors. Its fleet comprised seven sloops, four [[frigate]]s, four [[corvette]]s, fourteen [[minesweeper]]s, sixteen [[Naval trawler|trawlers]], two [[depot ship]]s, thirty auxiliary vessels, one hundred and fifty landing craft, two hundred harbour craft and several offensive and defensive motor launches.{{Sfn|Singh|1986|pp=37}} During [[World War II]] the Navy suffered two hundred and seventy five casualties—twenty seven officers, two warrant officers and 123 ratings killed in action, two ratings missing in action and a further 14 officers, two warrant officers and 123 ratings wounded.{{Sfn|Singh|1986|pp=142–143}} For their role in the war, the officers and ratings of the Navy received the following honours and decorations—a KBE (Mil.), a knighthood, a CB (Mil.), 10 CIEs, two DSOs, a CBE, 15 DSCs, an OBE, 28 DSMs, eight OBIs, two IOMs, 16 BEMs, 10 Indian Defence Service Medals, a Royal Humane Society Medal, 105 mentions in dispatches and 118 assorted commendations.{{Sfn|Singh|1986|pp=142}} Immediately after the war, the navy underwent a rapid, large-scale demobilisation of vessels and personnel.

From the inception of India's naval force, some senior Indian politicians had voiced concerns about the degree of "Indianisation" of the Navy and its subordination to the [[Royal Navy]] in all important aspects.{{Sfn|Singh|1986|pp=46–47}} On the eve of WWII, the RIN had no Indian senior line officers and only a single Indian senior engineer officer.<ref name="The_Navy_List_39">{{cite book|pages=620–622|title=The Navy List for August 1939|publisher=HM Stationery Office|year=1939}}</ref> Even by the war's end, the Navy remained a predominantly British-officered service; in 1945, no Indian officer held a rank above engineer commander and only a few Indian officers in the executive branch held substantive senior line officer rank.<ref name="The_Navy_List_July45">{{cite book|pages=2098–2101|title=The Navy List for August 1939|publisher=HM Stationery Office|year=1939}}</ref> This situation, coupled with inadequate levels of training and discipline, poor communication between officers and ratings, instances of racial discrimination and the ongoing trials of ex-[[Indian National Army]] personnel ignited the [[Royal Indian Navy mutiny]] by Indian ratings in 1946.{{Sfn|Singh|1986|pp=105–110}} A total of 78 ships, 20 shore establishments and 20,000 sailors were involved in the strike, which spread over much of India. After the strike began, the sailors received encouragement and support from the Communist Party in India; unrest spread from the naval ships, and led to student and worker ''hartals'' in Bombay. The strike ultimately failed as the sailors did not receive substantial support from either the Indian Army or from political leaders in Congress or the Muslim League.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Meyer|first1=John M.|title=The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny of 1946: Nationalist Competition and Civil-Military Relations in Postwar India|journal=Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History|volume=45|pages=46–69|date=13 December 2016|doi=10.1080/03086534.2016.1262645|s2cid=159800201|url=https://zenodo.org/record/894568}}</ref> On 21 July 1947, [[H.M.S. Choudhry]] and [[Bhaskar Sadashiv Soman]], both of whom would eventually command the Pakistani and Indian Navies, respectively, became the first Indian RIN officers to attain the acting rank of captain.<ref name="higher_rank">{{cite web|title=Higher Ranks for Indian Officers of the R.I.N.|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1947-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1947-07-21_321.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=21 July 1947|access-date=26 January 2020}}</ref>

===Independence to the end of the 20th century===
{{Main|1961 Indian annexation of Goa|Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts}}

Following [[independence of India|independence]] and the [[partition of India]] on 15 August 1947, the RIN's depleted fleet of ships and remaining personnel were divided between the newly independent [[Dominion of India]] and [[Dominion of Pakistan]]. 21 per cent of the Navy's officer cadre and 47 per cent of its sailors opted to join the portion of the fleet which became the [[Royal Pakistan Navy]]. The Indian share of the Navy consisted of 32 vessels along with 11,000 personnel. Effective from the same date, all British officers were compulsorily retired from the Navy and its reserve components, with Indian officers being promoted to replace British senior officers.{{Sfn|Singh|1992|pp=240–241}} However, a number of British flag and senior officers were invited to continue serving in the RIN,{{Sfn|Singh|1992|pp=246}} as only nine of the Navy's Indian commissioned officers had more than 10 years' service, with the majority of them only having served from five to eight years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nationalisation of Armed Forces|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1947-AUG-DEC-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1947-12-20_075.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=20 December 1947|access-date=4 January 2021}}</ref> Rear Admiral [[John Talbot Savignac Hall]] headed the Navy as its first Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) post-Independence.<ref name="Genesis of Indian Navy" /> In January 1948, D.N. Mukherji, the first Indian officer in the RIN, became the first Indian to be promoted acting engineer captain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Press Note|date=29 December 1947|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1947-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1947-12-29_449.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|access-date=28 August 2021}}</ref> In May 1948, Captain [[Ajitendu Chakraverti]] became the first Indian officer to be appointed to the rank of [[Commodore (India)|commodore]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Press Note|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1948-JAN-JUNE-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1948-05-08_240.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=8 May 1948|access-date=8 March 2020}}</ref> When India became a republic on 26 January 1950, the ''Royal'' prefix was dropped and the name ''Indian Navy'' was officially adopted. The prefix for naval vessels was changed from ''His Majesty's Indian Ship'' (HMIS) to ''Indian Naval Ship'' (INS).<ref name="Genesis of Indian Navy" /> At the same time, the imperial crown in insignia was replaced with the [[Lion Capital of Ashoka]] and the Union Jack in the canton of the White Ensign was replaced with the Indian Tricolour.<ref name="insignia">{{cite web|title=New Designs of Crests and Badges in the Services|url=http://pib.nic.in/archive/docs/DVD_38/ACC%20NO%20807-BR/HOM-1950-01-06_484.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808193914/http://pib.nic.in/archive/docs/DVD_38/ACC%20NO%20807-BR/HOM-1950-01-06_484.pdf|archive-date=8 August 2017}}</ref>

By 1955, the Navy had largely overcome its post-Independence personnel shortfalls.{{Sfn|Singh|1992|pp=240–241}} During the early years following independence, many British officers continued to serve in the Navy on secondment from the Royal Navy, due to the post-Independence retirement or transfer of many experienced officers to the Royal or the Pakistan navies.{{Sfn|Singh|1992|pp=240–241}} The first C-in-C of the Navy was Admiral Sir [[Edward Parry (Royal Navy officer)|Edward Parry]] who took over from Hall in 1948 and handed over to Admiral Sir [[Charles Pizey|Charles Thomas Mark Pizey]] in 1951. Admiral Pizey also became the first Chief of the Naval Staff in 1955, and was succeeded by Vice Admiral Sir [[Stephen Hope Carlill]] the same year<ref name="Genesis of Indian Navy" /> The pace of "Indianising" continued steadily through the 1950s. By 1952, senior Naval appointments had begun to be filled by Indian officers,{{Sfn|Singh|1992|pp=242}} and by 1955, basic training for naval cadets was entirely conducted in India.{{Sfn|Singh|1992|pp=254}} In 1956, [[Ram Dass Katari]] became the first Indian flag officer, and was appointed the first Indian Commander of the Fleet on 2 October.{{Sfn|Singh|1992|pp=250}} On 22 April 1958, Vice Admiral Katari assumed the command of the Indian Navy from Carlill as the first Indian Chief of Staff of the Indian Navy.{{Sfn|Stewart|2009|p=185}} With the departure in 1962 of the last British officer on secondment to the Navy, Commodore David Kirke, the Chief of Naval Aviation, the Indian Navy finally became an entirely Indian service.{{Sfn|Singh|1992|pp=243}}

The first engagement in action of the Indian Navy was against the [[Portuguese Navy]] during the [[liberation of Goa]] in 1961. ''Operation Vijay'' followed years of escalating tension due to Portuguese refusal to relinquish its [[Portuguese India|colonies]] in India. On 21 November 1961, Portuguese troops fired on the passenger liner ''Sabarmati'' near [[Anjadip Island]], killing one person and injuring another.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-12-19 |title=When the Navy's Operation Chutney evicted Portugal from Anjadiv |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/when-the-navys-op-chutney-evicted-portugal-from-anjadiv/articleshow/79805877.cms |access-date=2023-11-29 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> During Operation Vijay, the Indian Navy supported troop landings and provided fire support. The [[cruiser]] {{INS|Delhi|C74|6}} sank one Portuguese [[patrol boat]],<ref name="Goa Operations 1961 - IN Off">{{cite web|title=Goa Operations 1961|url=http://www.indiannavy.nic.in/goa.htm|website=Indian Navy|access-date=22 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050905091051/http://www.indiannavy.nic.in/goa.htm|archive-date=5 September 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref> while frigates {{INS|Betwa|1959|6}} and {{INS|Beas|1958|6}} destroyed the Portuguese frigate {{ship|NRP|Afonso de Albuquerque}}.{{Sfn|Navy|2016|p=174}} The 1962 [[Sino-Indian War]] was largely fought over the [[Himalayas]] and the Navy had only a defensive role in the war.{{Sfn|Shah|2015|p=89}}
[[File:INS Kursura (S20) underway.jpg|thumb|left|{{INS|Kursura|S20|6}}, an Indian submarine which played a vital role in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|1971 Indo-Pak war]]]]

At the outbreak of [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]], the Navy had one aircraft carrier, two cruisers, nineteen destroyers and frigates, and one tanker. Of these twenty-ships ten were under refit. The others were largely involved coastal patrols. During the war, the Pakistani Navy [[Operation Dwarka|attacked the Indian coastal city of Dwarka]], although there were no military resources in the area. While this attack was insignificant, India deployed naval resources to patrol the coast and deter further bombardment.{{Sfn|Hiranandani|2000|p=33}} Following these wars in the 1960s, India resolved to strengthen the profile and capabilities of its Armed Forces.{{Sfn|Hiranandani|2000|p=40–41}}

[[File:INS Vikrant (R11) with a Sea King helicopter during Indo-Pakistani war of 1971.jpg|thumb|Aircraft carrier {{INS|Vikrant|1961|6}} during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]. The ship played a crucial role in enforcing the naval blockade on [[East Pakistan]] and ensuring India's victory during the war.]]

The dramatic change in the Indian Navy's capabilities and stance was emphatically demonstrated during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]. Under the command of Admiral [[Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda]], the navy successfully enforced a [[naval blockade]] of [[West Pakistan|West]] and [[East Pakistan]].{{Sfn|Hiranandani|2000|p=111}} Pakistan's lone long-range [[submarine]] {{ship|PNS|Ghazi}} was sunk following an attack by the [[destroyer]] {{INS|Rajput|1942|6}} off the coast of [[Visakhapatnam]] in the midnight of 3–4 December 1971.<ref name="Maritime Awareness and Pakistan Navy - Defence Journal">{{cite web|author1=Commander Muhammad Azam Khan (retd.)|title=Maritime Awareness and Pakistan Navy|url=http://www.defencejournal.com/2000/mar/maritime.htm|website=Defence Journal|access-date=25 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309235258/http://www.defencejournal.com/2000/mar/maritime.htm|archive-date=9 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{Sfn|Hiranandani|2000|p=142–143}} On 4 December, the Indian Navy successfully executed [[Operation Trident (1971)|Operation Trident]], a devastating attack on the Pakistan Naval Headquarters of [[Karachi]] that sank a minesweeper, a destroyer and an ammunition supply ship. The attack also irreparably damaged another destroyer and oil storage tanks at the Karachi port.<ref name="1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi">{{cite web|author1=Vice Admiral G. M. Hiranandani (retd.)|author-link1=Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani|title=1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/interviews/1971-war-the-first-missile-attack-on-karachi/|website=Indian Defence Review|access-date=25 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217084537/http://www.indiandefencereview.com/interviews/1971-war-the-first-missile-attack-on-karachi/|archive-date=17 February 2017|date=11 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> To commemorate this, 4 December is celebrated as the Navy Day.<ref name="In 1971 Navy Day">{{cite web|title=In 1971, The Indian Navy Attempted One of the World's Most Daring War Strategies on Karachi|url=https://www.scoopwhoop.com/In-1971-The-Indian-Navy-Attemped-One-Of-The-Worlds-Most-Daring-War-Strategies-On-Karachi/|website=Scoop Whoop|access-date=25 June 2017|language=En|date=9 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209141754/https://www.scoopwhoop.com/In-1971-The-Indian-Navy-Attemped-One-Of-The-Worlds-Most-Daring-War-Strategies-On-Karachi/|archive-date=9 December 2016}}</ref> This was followed by [[Operation Python]] on 8 December 1971, further deprecating the Pakistan Navy's capabilities.<ref name="1971 War: The First Missile Attack on Karachi"/> Indian frigate {{INS|Khukri|F149|6}}, commanded by Captain M. N. Mulla was sunk by {{ship|PNS|Hangor|S131|6}}, while {{INS|Kirpan|1959|6}} was damaged on the west coast.<ref name="The sinking of INS Kukhri">{{cite web|author1=Russell Phillips|title=The sinking of INS Kukhri|url=https://www.russellphillipsbooks.co.uk/the-sinking-of-ins-khukri/|website=Russell Phillips Books|access-date=25 June 2017|date=3 June 2013}}</ref> In the [[Bay of Bengal]], the [[aircraft carrier]] {{INS|Vikrant|1961|6}} was deployed to successfully enforce the [[naval blockade]] on East Pakistan. [[Hawker Sea Hawk|Sea Hawk]] and the [[Breguet Alizé|Alizé]] aircraft from INS ''Vikrant'' sank numerous gunboats and Pakistani [[merchant marine]] ships.<ref name=un-report>{{cite web|title=Items in India/Pakistan/Bangladesh – Report of the high level consultants mission to Bangladesh |url=http://archives-trim.un.org/webdrawer/rec/423368/view/Items-in-IndiaPakistanBangladesh%20-%20general%20-%20report%20of%20the%20high%20level%20consultants%20mission%20to%20Bangladesh%20MarchApril%201972.pdf |publisher=United Nations |access-date=26 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728142411/http://archives-trim.un.org/webdrawer/rec/423368/view/Items-in-IndiaPakistanBangladesh%20-%20general%20-%20report%20of%20the%20high%20level%20consultants%20mission%20to%20Bangladesh%20MarchApril%201972.PDF |archive-date=28 July 2011 }}</ref> To demonstrate its solidarity as an ally of Pakistan, the United States sent [[Task Force 74]] centred around the aircraft carrier {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|6}} into the Bay of Bengal. In retaliation, [[Soviet Navy]] submarines trailed the American task force, which moved away from the Indian Ocean towards Southeast Asia to avert a confrontation.<ref name="COLD WAR GAMES - BRakshak">{{cite web|author1=Vice Admiral Swaraj Prakash (retd.)|title=Cold War Games|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/History/1971War/Games.html|website=Bharat Rakshak|access-date=25 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060915093344/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/History/1971War/Games.html|archive-date=15 September 2006}}</ref> In the end, the Indian naval blockade of Pakistan choked off the supply of reinforcements to the Pakistani forces, which proved to be decisive in the overwhelming defeat of Pakistan.<ref name="A leaf from history: When the war began">{{cite web|title=A leaf from history: When the war began|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/708855|website=Dawn|publisher=Inpaper Magazine|access-date=25 June 2017|date=8 April 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222055336/http://www.dawn.com/news/708855|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref>

Since playing a decisive role in the victory, the navy has been a deterrent force maintaining peace for India in a region of turmoil. In 1983, the Indian Navy planned for [[Operation Lal Dora]] to support the government of [[Mauritius]] against a feared coup.{{Sfn|Brewster|2014|p=68–69}} In 1986, in [[Operation Flowers are Blooming]], the Indian Navy averted an attempted coup in the [[Seychelles]].{{Sfn|Brewster|2014|p=58–62}} In 1988, India launched [[Operation Cactus]], to successfully thwart a coup d'état by [[PLOTE]] in the [[Maldives]]. Naval maritime reconnaissance aircraft detected the ship hijacked by PLOTE rebels. {{INS|Godavari|F20|6}} and Indian marine commandos recaptured the ship and arrested the rebels.<ref name="Operation Cactus - Bharat Rakshak">{{cite web|title=Operation Cactus|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/History/1970s/Operation-Cactus.html|website=Bharat Rakshak|access-date=25 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203103631/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/History/1970s/Operation-Cactus.html|archive-date=3 December 2008}}</ref> During the 1999 [[Kargil War]], the Western and Eastern fleets were deployed in the Northern Arabian Sea, as a part of ''[[Kargil War#Naval action|Operation Talwar]]''.<ref name="India's national interest had been made coterminus with maritime security">{{cite web|author1=Major General Ashok K Mehta (retd.)|title=India's national interest had been made coterminus with maritime security|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2000/dec/04ashok.htm|website=Rediff|access-date=25 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214611/http://www.rediff.com/news/2000/dec/04ashok.htm|archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> They safeguarded India's maritime assets from a potential Pakistani naval attack, and also deterred Pakistan from attempting to block India's sea-trade routes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-26 |title=Kargil Vijay Diwas: How Indian Navy's Operation Talwar squeezed Pakistan out of the Arabian Sea |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/kargil-vijay-diwas-indian-navy-operation-talwar-pakistan-arabian-sea-8861420/ |access-date=2023-11-29 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The Indian Navy's aviators flew sorties and marine commandos fought alongside Indian Army personnel in the Himalayas.<ref name="MOD Report Kargil War">{{cite web|url=http://mod.nic.in/reports/cap3.pdf |title=Ministry of Defence Report |access-date=6 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322012643/http://mod.nic.in/reports/cap3.pdf |archive-date=22 March 2012 }}</ref>

In October 1999, the Navy along with the [[Indian Coast Guard]] rescued [[INS Prahar (K98)|MV ''Alondra Rainbow'']], a pirated Japanese cargo ship.<ref name="Navy, Coast Guard nab pirates, rescue hijacked merchant vessel off Goa coast">{{cite web|title=Navy, Coast Guard nab pirates, rescue hijacked merchant vessel off Goa coast|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19991117/ige17049.html|website=Express India|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114192601/http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19991117/ige17049.html|archive-date=14 January 2012|date=17 November 1999|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===21st century onwards===
[[File:Indian Navy flotilla of Western Fleet escort INS Vikramaditya (R33) and INS Viraat (R22) in the Arabian Sea.jpg|thumb|left|Indian Navy flotilla including aircraft carrier {{INS|Viraat}} escorting {{INS|Vikramaditya}} on its way home in 2014]]

In the 21st century, the Indian Navy has played an important role in maintaining peace for India on the maritime front, in spite of the state of foment in its neighbourhood. It has been deployed for humanitarian relief in times of natural disasters and crises across the globe, as well as to keep India's maritime trade routes free and open.<ref name=in-vision>{{cite web|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/vision.pdf |title=Indian Navy's Vision |publisher=Indian Navy |access-date=3 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216112716/http://indiannavy.nic.in/vision.pdf |archive-date=16 December 2010 }}</ref>

The Indian Navy was a part of the joint forces exercises, [[Operation Parakram]], during the [[2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff]]. More than a dozen warships were deployed to the northern [[Arabian Sea]].<ref name="Naval Diplomacy: Indian Initiatives - BRakshak">{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE6-1/Sakhuja.html |title=Naval Diplomacy: Indian Initiatives |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |access-date=16 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413170826/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE6-1/Sakhuja.html |archive-date=13 April 2009 }}</ref> 
In October, the Indian Navy took over operations to secure the [[Strait of Malacca]], to relieve [[United States Navy|US Navy]] resources for [[Operation Enduring Freedom]].<ref name="President Discusses Strong U.S.-India Partnership in New Delhi">{{cite web|url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2006/03/20060303-5.html|title=President Discusses Strong U.S.-India Partnership in New Delhi, India|date=3 March 2006|publisher=The White House|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311105310/http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2006/03/20060303-5.html|archive-date=11 March 2011}}</ref>
[[File:Indian Navy flood relief operations in the aftermath of floods and landslides in Sri Lanka, May 2017 (07).jpg|thumb|Indian Navy flood relief operations in the aftermath of floods and landslides in Sri Lanka]]
The navy plays an important role in providing humanitarian relief in times of natural disasters, including floods, cyclones and tsunamis. In the aftermath of the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]], the Indian Navy launched massive disaster relief operations to help affected Indian states as well as [[Maldives]], [[Sri Lanka]] and [[Indonesia]]. Over 27 ships, dozens of helicopters, at least six fixed-wing aircraft and over 5000 personnel of the navy were deployed in relief operations.<ref name="Tsunami diplomacy improves India's global image - EI">{{cite web|url=http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=41752#compstory |title=Tsunami diplomacy improves India's global image |work=Express India |date=9 February 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050506142222/http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=41752 |archive-date= 6 May 2005 }}</ref> These included [[Operation Madad (Indian Navy)|Operation Madad]] in [[Andhra Pradesh]] and [[Tamil Nadu]], ''[[Operation Sea Waves]]'' in the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]], ''Operation Castor'' in Maldives, ''Operation Rainbow'' in Sri Lanka and ''Operation Gambhir'' in Indonesia.<ref name="Indian Naval Diplomacy: Post Tsunami - ICPS">{{cite web |first=Vijay |last=Sakhuja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108110646/http://www.ipcs.org/Military_articles2.jsp?action=showView&kValue=1652&keyArticle=1019&status=article&mod=a |url=http://www.ipcs.org/Military_articles2.jsp?action=showView&kValue=1652&keyArticle=1019&status=article&mod=a |archive-date=8 January 2009 |title=Indian Naval Diplomacy: Post Tsunami |publisher=Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies |date=8 February 2005}}</ref> Gambhir, carried out following the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami|2004 Indian Ocean tsunami]], was one of the largest and fastest force mobilisations that the Indian Navy has undertaken. Indian naval rescue vessels and teams reached neighbouring countries less than 12 hours from the time that the tsunami hit.<ref name="India is projecting its military power IHT">{{cite news|last=Giridharadas |first=Anand |date=22 September 2008 |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/22/asia/power.php |title=India is projecting its military power |newspaper=International Herald Tribune |access-date=6 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925061837/http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/22/asia/power.php |archive-date=25 September 2008 }}</ref> Lessons from the response led to decision to enhance amphibious force capabilities, including the acquisition of [[landing platform dock]]s such as {{INS|Jalashwa|L41|6}}, as well as smaller amphibious vessels.<ref name="INS Jalashwa joins Eastern Fleet">{{cite web|title=INS Jalashwa joins Eastern Fleet|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/14/stories/2007091454111600.htm|access-date=25 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112040310/http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/14/stories/2007091454111600.htm|archive-date=12 November 2007|website=[[The Hindu]]|date=2007-09-14|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:TROPEX 2014 - 05.JPG|thumb|left|From top to bottom: {{INS|Ranjit|D53|6}}, {{INS|Jyoti|A58|6}} and {{INS|Mysore|D60|6}}]]

During the [[2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict]], the Indian Navy launched [[Operation Sukoon]] and evacuated 2,280 persons from 20 to 29 July 2006 including 436 Sri Lankans, 69 Nepalese and 7 Lebanese nationals from war-torn Lebanon.<ref name="Operation Sukoon for the evacuation of Indian Nationals from Lebanon - PIB">{{cite web|title=Operation Sukoon for the evacuation of Indian Nationals from Lebanon|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=20224|website=Press Information Bureau|publisher=Government of India|access-date=26 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731153033/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=20224|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="'Op SUKOON' – Making 'Sweet Music' : 24 July 2006">{{cite web|title='Op SUKOON' – Making 'Sweet Music' : 24 July 2006|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/sukoon.pdf|website=Indian Navy|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701035923/http://indiannavy.nic.in/sukoon.pdf|archive-date=1 July 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2006, Indian naval doctors served for 102 days on board {{USNS|Mercy|T-AH-19|6}} to conduct medical camps in the [[Philippines]], Bangladesh, Indonesia and [[East Timor]].<ref name="Indian Navy Doctors Serve on U.S. Navy Hospital Ship Mercy's Aid Mission in South and Southeast Asia">{{cite web|title=Indian Navy Doctors Serve on U.S. Navy Hospital Ship Mercy's Aid Mission in South and Southeast Asia|url=http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/pr090706.html|website=[[Embassy of the United States, New Delhi|Embassy of United States (New Delhi, India)]]|publisher=[[U.S. Department of State]]|access-date=26 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060922193601/http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/pr090706.html|archive-date=22 September 2006}}</ref> In 2007, Indian Navy supported relief operations for the survivors of [[Cyclone Sidr]] in Bangladesh.<ref name="India sends rice for Bangladesh storm victims">{{cite web|title=India sends rice for Bangladesh storm victims|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-30889820071208|website=Reuters|access-date=26 June 2017|date=8 December 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731153345/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-30889820071208|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> In 2008, Indian Naval vessels were the first to launch international relief operations for victims of [[Cyclone Nargis]] in Myanmar.<ref name="India – Myanmar Relations - MEA">{{cite web|title=India – Myanmar Relations|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/myanmar-july-2012.pdf|website=Ministry of External Affairs|access-date=26 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219070157/http://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/myanmar-july-2012.pdf|archive-date=19 December 2016}}</ref><ref name="India's assistance to Myanmar must reflect its regional role - RW">{{cite web|author1=Asian Legal Resource Centre|title=India's assistance to Myanmar must reflect its regional role|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/myanmar/indias-assistance-myanmar-must-reflect-its-regional-role|website=Relief Web|access-date=26 June 2017|date=7 May 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731152111/http://reliefweb.int/report/myanmar/indias-assistance-myanmar-must-reflect-its-regional-role|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> In 2008, the navy deployed {{INS|Tabar|F44|6}} and {{INS|Mysore|D60|6}} into the [[Gulf of Aden]] to combat [[piracy in Somalia]].<ref name="India 'to step up piracy battle'">{{cite web|title=India 'to step up piracy battle'|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7741287.stm|website=BBC News|access-date=26 June 2017|date=21 November 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227015737/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7741287.stm|archive-date=27 February 2017}}</ref> ''Tabar'' prevented numerous piracy attempts, and escorted hundreds of ships safely through the pirate-infested waters.<ref name="India 'sinks Somali pirate ship'">{{cite web|title=India 'sinks Somali pirate ship'|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7736885.stm|website=BBC News|access-date=26 June 2017|date=19 November 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614130617/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7736885.stm|archive-date=14 June 2017}}</ref> The navy also undertook anti-piracy patrols near the [[Seychelles]], upon that country's request.<ref name="Navy responds to SOS from Seychelles">{{cite web|title=Navy responds to SOS from Seychelles|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/navy-responds-to-sos-from-seychelles/449049/|website=The Indian Express|access-date=26 June 2017|date=20 April 2009}}</ref><ref name="Indian Navy in 2010">{{cite web|title=Indian Navy in 2010|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/themes/indiannavy/images/pdf/year-gone-by-2010.pdf|website=Indian Navy|access-date=26 June 2017|pages=6–7|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706073459/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/themes/indiannavy/images/pdf/year-gone-by-2010.pdf|archive-date=6 July 2017}}</ref>

In February 2011, the Indian Navy launched [[Operation Safe Homecoming]] and rescued Indian nationals from war torn Libya.<ref name="Naval ships to bail out Indians stranded in Libya">{{cite web|title=Naval ships to bail out Indians stranded in Libya|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Naval-ships-to-bail-out-Indians-stranded-in-Libya/articleshow/7583375.cms?referral=PM|website=The Times of India|access-date=27 June 2017|date=27 February 2011}}</ref> Between January–March, the navy launched ''Operation Island Watch'' to deter piracy attempts by Somali pirates off the [[Lakshadweep]] archipelago. This operation has had numerous successes in preventing pirate attacks.<ref name="Pirate Mother Ship Prantalay Sinks off Lakshadweep during Anti Piracy Operations by India">{{cite web|title=Pirate Mother Ship Prantalay Sinks off Lakshadweep during Anti Piracy Operations by India|url=http://www.marinebuzz.com/2011/01/30/pirate-mother-ship-prantalay-sinks-off-lakshadweep-during-anti-piracy-operations-by-india/|website=Marine Buzz|access-date=27 June 2017|date=30 January 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403182538/http://www.marinebuzz.com/2011/01/30/pirate-mother-ship-prantalay-sinks-off-lakshadweep-during-anti-piracy-operations-by-india/|archive-date=3 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="Indian Navy captures 61 pirates, rescues 13 sailors">{{cite web|author1=Suman Sharma|title=Indian Navy captures 61 pirates, rescues 13 sailors|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-indian-navy-captures-61-pirates-rescues-13-sailors-1519685|website=DNA India|access-date=27 June 2017|date=14 March 2011}}</ref><ref name="India pushes back on Somali pirates' new 'mother ship' offensive">{{cite web|author1=Ben Arnoldy|title=India pushes back on Somali pirates' new 'mother ship' offensive|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2011/0207/India-pushes-back-on-Somali-pirates-new-mother-ship-offensive|website=The Christian Science Monitor|access-date=27 June 2017|date=7 February 2011}}</ref> During the [[Houthi takeover in Yemen|2015 crisis in Yemen]], the Indian Navy was part of [[Operation Raahat (India)|Operation Raahat]] and rescued 3074 individuals of which 1291 were foreign nationals.<ref name="The great Yemen escape: Operation Rahat by numbers">{{cite web|title=The great Yemen escape: Operation Rahat by numbers|url=http://www.thehindu.com/specials/the-great-yemen-escape-operation-rahat-by-numbers/article7089422.ece|website=The Hindu|access-date=27 June 2017|date=10 April 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201231510/http://www.thehindu.com/specials/the-great-yemen-escape-operation-rahat-by-numbers/article7089422.ece|archive-date=1 February 2017}}</ref> On 15 April 2016, a [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon|Poseidon-8I]] long-range patrol aircraft managed to thwart a piracy attack on the high seas by flying over MV ''Sezai Selaha'', a merchant vessel, which was being targeted by a pirate mother ship and two skiffs around {{convert|800|nmi|lk=in}} from [[Mumbai]].<ref name="Navy plane thwarts piracy bid in Arabian Sea">{{cite web|author1=Rajat Pandit|title=Navy plane thwarts piracy bid in Arabian Sea|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Navy-plane-thwarts-piracy-bid-in-Arabian-Sea/articleshow/51899029.cms|website=The Times of India|access-date=27 June 2017|date=19 April 2016}}</ref>

India enacted its first domestic anti-piracy legislation as the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act 2022, on 20 December 2022 criminalizing maritime piracy and empowering the Indian Navy and other government agencies with the authority to respond to threats at sea.<ref name="auto">{{cite news |title=9 pirates being brought to India to face legal action, says Navy a day after rescuing 23 Pakistani crew from Iranian fishing vessel|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/9-pirates-being-brought-to-india-to-face-legal-action-navy-day-after-rescuing-23-pakistani-crew-from-iranian-fishing-vessel/articleshow/108902077.cms |access-date=9 May 2024 |work=The Economic Times}}</ref> In 2024, Chief Admiral [[R. Hari Kumar]] referred to the new law as a "great enabler" in the navy's anti-piracy success.<ref>{{cite news |title=Anti-piracy Act has been a great enabler: Navy chief |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/anti-piracy-act-has-been-a-great-enabler-navy-chief/article67987273.ece |access-date=9 May 2024 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> That year, ''[[The Economic Times]]'' referred to the Indian Navy's commitment in combating maritime piracy as "unwavering".<ref name="auto"/>
[[File:Indian Navy mission deployed in North, Central Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden.jpg|thumb|Indian Navy mission deployed in the North/Central Arabian sea and Gulf of Aden following [[2023 attack on the Chem Pluto|attack on tanker Chem Pluto]]]]
In January 2024, the Indian Navy deployed over 10 warships under [[Operation Sankalp]] to protect commercial shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea in the wake of [[Houthi involvement in the Israel–Hamas war|Houthi-led attacks]] on merchant vessels. Some of the ships deployed included guided missile destroyers like the [[INS Kolkata]], [[INS Kochi]], [[INS Chennai]] and [[INS Mormugao (D67)|INS Mormugao]], as well as frigates like the [[INS Talwar (F40)|INS Talwar]] and [[INS Tarkash]]. On 5 January, the INS Chennai prevented the hijacking of the Liberian merchant vessel MV Lila Norfolk. Although India declined to join the multinational US-led [[Operation Prosperity Guardian]], the Indian Navy continued to share information and coordinate operations with the United States, United Kingdom, and France.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-09 |title=Over 10 warships sent to deter pirates of the Arabian Sea |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/over-10-warships-sent-to-deter-pirates-of-the-arabian-sea/articleshow/106646794.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-01-13 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

In May 2024, the Navy officially replaced the terms "Jack" and "Jackstaff" with "National Flag" and "National Flag Staff". The words Jack and Jackstaff originates from the Royal Navy's traditions which implies for national flag and the short pole on the bow of the ship to host the flag in 'naval parlance', respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-24 |title=Navy does away with ship terms 'Jackstaff' and 'Jack', replaces with National Flag Staff, National Flag |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/navy-does-away-with-ship-terms-jackstaff-and-jack-replaces-with-national-flag-staff-national-flag-9348685/ |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

===Current role===

[[File:Indian Navy Carrier Battle Group - Operation Sindoor.jpg|thumb|Indian Navy Carrier Battle Group deployment during [[Operation Sindoor]]]]
As of August 2015, the Indian Navy is classified as a Rank 3 navy (Power projection to regions adjacent to its own) on the [[Todd-Lindberg navy classification system]] of naval strength.<ref name="Bratton">{{cite book |last1=Bratton |first1=Patrick C |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RxOpAgAAQBAJ |title=Sea Power and the Asia-Pacific |last2=Till |first2=Geoffrey |publisher=Routledge |year=2012 |isbn=978-1136627248 |location=London, United Kingdom}}</ref><ref name="Kirchberger2">{{cite book |last1=Kirchberger |first1=Sarah |title=Assessing China's Naval Power: Technological Innovation, Economic Constraints, and Strategic Implications |date=2015 |publisher=Springer |isbn=9783662471272 |location=Heidelberg |page=60 |oclc=911616881}}<!--|access-date=4 December 2015--></ref> The principal roles of the Indian Navy are:<ref name="Shaping India's Maritime Strategy - Opportunities and Challenges">{{cite web|author1=Admiral Arun Prakash|title=Shaping India's Maritime Strategy – Opportunities and Challenges|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/cns_add2.htm|website=Indian Navy|publisher=Government of India|access-date=27 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060502124216/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/cns_add2.htm|archive-date=2 May 2006|date=November 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Vision of the Indian Navy">{{cite web|title=Vision of the Indian Navy|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/vision|website=Indian Navy|publisher=Ministry of Defence (Navy)|access-date=27 June 2017|date=12 October 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602042516/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/vision|archive-date=2 June 2017}}</ref>
* In conjunction with other Armed Forces of the Union, act to deter or defeat any threats or aggression against the territory, people or maritime interests of India, both in war and peace;
* Project influence in India's maritime area of interest, to further the nation's political, [[Exclusive economic zone of India|economic]] and security objectives;
* In co-operation with the [[Indian Coast Guard]], ensure good order and stability in India's maritime zones of responsibility.
* Provide maritime assistance (including disaster relief) in India's maritime neighbourhood.

==Command and organisation==

===Organisation===
{{Main|List of serving admirals of the Indian Navy}}
[[File:PM Narendra Modi receiving Guard of Honour.jpg|thumb|PM [[Narendra Modi]] inspects [[Guard of honour]] at the Naval Dockyard, 2025.]]
While the [[President of India]] serves as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, the organisational structure of the Indian Navy is headed by the [[Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy|Chief of Naval Staff]] (CNS), who holds the rank of [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]].<ref name="Organisation Of Indian Navy">{{cite web|title=Organisation of Indian Navy|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/organisation|website=Indian Navy|access-date=16 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602045953/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/organisation|archive-date=2 June 2017}}</ref> While the provision for the rank of [[Admiral of the Fleet]] exists, no officer of the Indian Navy has yet been conferred this rank.<ref name="Did You Know That Only 3 People Have Been Given The Highest Ranks In The Indian Armed Forces?">{{cite web|author1=Anwesha Madhukalya|title=Did You Know That Only 3 People Have Been Given The Highest Ranks in the Indian Armed Forces?|url=https://www.scoopwhoop.com/Highest-ranks-in-Indian-Armed-Forces/|website=ScoopWhoop|access-date=7 July 2017|language=En|date=24 February 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104090735/https://www.scoopwhoop.com/Highest-ranks-in-Indian-Armed-Forces|archive-date=4 January 2017}}</ref> The CNS is assisted by the Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS), a [[Vice admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]]; the CNS also heads the Integrated Headquarters (IHQ) of the Ministry of Defence (Navy), based in New Delhi. The Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS), a vice-admiral, is a Principal Staff Officer (PSO), along with the [[Chief of Personnel (India)|Chief of Personnel]] (COP) and the [[Chief of Materiel (India)|Chief of Materiel]] (COM), both of whom are also vice-admirals.<ref name="Organisation Of Indian Navy"/> The Director General Medical Services (Navy) is a Surgeon Vice-Admiral, heads the medical services of the Indian Navy.<ref name="Director Generals - IN Official">{{cite web|title=Director Generals|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/director-generals|website=www.indiannavy.nic.in|access-date=7 July 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602044619/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/director-generals|archive-date=2 June 2017}}</ref>

The Indian Navy operates two operational [[Command (military formation)|commands]] and one training command. Each command is headed by a [[Flag Officer|Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief]] (FOC-in-C) of the rank of [[Vice admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]].<ref name="The Commands - IN Official">{{cite web|title=The Commands|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/commands/|website=Indian Navy|publisher=Government of India|access-date=7 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602055919/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/commands|archive-date=2 June 2017}}</ref> The Eastern and Western commands each have a Fleet commanded by a [[Rear admiral (India)|Rear Admiral]]. The [[Western Fleet (India)|Western Fleet]] based at [[Mumbai]] is commanded by the [[Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet]] (FOCWF) and the [[Eastern Fleet (India)|Eastern Fleet]], based at [[Visakhapatnam]], is commanded by the [[Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet]] (FOCEF). Apart from the two fleets, there is a Flotilla each, based at Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Port Blair, that provide Local Naval Defence in their respective regions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Basic Organisation |url=https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in/en/about-us/basic-organization.html |website=joinindiannavy.gov.in |access-date=27 September 2024}}</ref>

The Eastern and Western commands each also have a Commodore commanding submarines (COMCOS) - the [[Commodore Commanding Submarines (East)]] and the [[Commodore Commanding Submarines (West)]].<ref name="WNC Mumbai Organisation {{!}} Indian Navy">{{cite web|title=WNC Mumbai Organisation|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/1499|website=Indian Navy|access-date=7 July 2017|language=en}}</ref> The [[Flag Officer Submarines (India)|Flag Officer Submarines]], the single-point class authority for submarines is based at the Eastern Naval Command. The Southern Naval Command is home to the [[Flag Officer Sea Training (India)|Flag Officer Sea Training]] (FOST).<ref name="Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST)">{{cite web|title=Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST)|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/flag-officer-sea-training-fost|website=Indian Navy|access-date=7 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602043753/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/flag-officer-sea-training-fost|archive-date=2 June 2017}}</ref>

Additionally, the [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]] is a unified Indian Navy, [[Indian Army]], [[Indian Air Force]], and [[Indian Coast Guard]] [[Theater (warfare)|theater command]] based at the capital, [[Port Blair]].<ref name="ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR COMMAND">{{cite web|title=ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR COMMAND|url=http://ids.nic.in/ancommand.htm|website=Integrated Defence Staff|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=7 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108131338/http://www.ids.nic.in/ancommand.htm|archive-date=8 January 2017}}</ref> [[Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command]] (CINCAN) receives staff support from, and reports directly to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) in New Delhi. The Command was set up in the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] in 2001.<ref name="INDIA'S HIGHER DEFENCE ORGANIZATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AND JOINTNESS">{{cite web|author1=Admiral Arun Prakash (retd.)|author-link1=Arun Prakash|title=INDIA'S HIGHER DEFENCE ORGANIZATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AND JOINTNESS|url=http://www.idsa.in/system/files/JDS1(1)2007_0.pdf|website=Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis|access-date=7 July 2017|pages=13–31|date=August 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232945/http://www.idsa.in/system/files/JDS1%281%292007_0.pdf|archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|- style="background:#cccccc"
|+ At Integrated Headquarters-Ministry of Defence (Navy) level<ref name="Organisation Of Indian Navy" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Principal Staff Officers, Indian Navy|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/principal-staff-officers|access-date=11 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=DGs and Controllers, Indian Navy|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/dgs-and-controllers|access-date=11 July 2019}}</ref>
! scope="col" style="width: 200px;" | Post
! scope="col" style="width: 50px;" | Location
! scope="col" style="width: 325px;" | Current Holder
|-
| [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]]
|rowspan=5|New Delhi
| Admiral [[Dinesh K Tripathi]], PVSM, AVSM, NM<ref>{{cite web |title=ADMIRAL DINESH K TRIPATHI PVSM, AVSM, NM ASSUMES COMMAND OF THE INDIAN NAVY AS 26th CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2019166#:~:text=Admiral%20Dinesh%20K%20Tripathi%2C%20PVSM,career%20in%20the%20Indian%20Navy. |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=10 May 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Naval Staff]]
| Vice Admiral [[Krishna Swaminathan]], AVSM, VSM<ref>{{cite web |title=VICE ADMIRAL KRISHNA SWAMINATHAN, AVSM, VSM ASSUMES CHARGE AS VICE CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2019267 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=10 May 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff]] || Vice Admiral [[Tarun Sobti]], AVSM, VSM<ref name="DCNS">{{cite web |title=VICE ADMIRAL TARUN SOBTI, AVSM, VSM ASSUMED CHARGE AS DEPUTY CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1962592 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=1 October 2023}}</ref>
|-
| [[Chief of Personnel (India)|Chief of Personnel]] || Vice Admiral [[Sanjay Bhalla]], AVSM, NM<ref>{{cite web |title=VICE ADMIRAL SANJAY BHALLA, AVSM, NM ASSUMES CHARGE AS THE CHIEF OF PERSONNEL OF INDIAN NAVY |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2020173 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=10 May 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Chief of Materiel (India)|Chief of Materiel]]|| Vice Admiral [[Kiran Deshmukh]], AVSM, VSM<ref>{{cite web |title=VICE ADMIRAL KIRAN DESHMUKH, AVSM, VSM, ASSUMES CHARGE AS THE CHIEF OF MATERIEL |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1992057 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=1 January 2024}}</ref>
|+ At operational command level<ref name="Organisation Of Indian Navy" />
! style="background:#ccc;"|Commands
! style="background:#ccc;"|HQ Location
! style="background:#ccc;"|Current FOC-in-C
|-
|[[Western Naval Command]] ||[[Mumbai]] || Vice Admiral [[Sanjay Jasjit Singh]], AVSM, NM<ref name="PIB-030124">{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1992829|title=VICE ADMIRAL SANJAY J SINGH TAKES OVER AS FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING-IN-CHIEF, WESTERN NAVAL COMMAND|publisher=PIB|date=2024-01-03}}</ref>
|-
|[[Eastern Naval Command]] ||[[Visakhapatnam]] || Vice Admiral [[Rajesh Pendharkar]], AVSM, VSM<ref name="PIB-010823">{{cite web |title=VICE ADM RAJESH PENDHARKAR TAKES OVER AS THE FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING-IN-CHIEF, ENC |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1944737 |website=pib.gov.in |date=1 August 2023}}</ref>
|-
|[[Southern Naval Command]] || [[Kochi]] || Vice Admiral [[Vennam Srinivas]], AVSM, NM<ref>{{cite web |title=VICE ADMIRAL V SRINIVAS TAKES OVER AS THE FLAG OFFICER COMMANDING-IN-CHIEF, SOUTHERN NAVAL COMMAND, KOCHI |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1991948 |website=pib.gov.in |access-date=31 December 2023}}</ref>
|}

===Facilities===
{{Main|List of Indian Navy bases}}
[[File:Nalanda complex.jpg|thumb|[[Nalanda]] Complex of [[Indian Naval Academy]], the largest Naval training facility in Asia.]]
Indian Navy has its operational and training bases in [[Gujarat]], [[Karnataka]], [[Goa]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Lakshadweep]], [[Kerala]], [[Odisha]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[West Bengal]], and [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]]. These bases are intended for various purposes such as logistics and maintenance support, ammunition support, air stations, hospitals, [[MARCOS]] bases, coastal defence, missile defence, submarine and missile boat bases, forward operating bases etc.<ref name="WNC Authorities & Units">{{cite web|title=WNC Authorities & Units|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/5184|website=Indian Navy|access-date=16 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731153909/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/5184|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="Eastern Naval Command Authorities & Units">{{cite web|title=Eastern Naval Command Authorities & Units|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/1435|website=Indian Navy|access-date=16 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722091156/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/1435|archive-date=22 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="Southern Naval Command Authorities & Units">{{cite web|title=Southern Naval Command Authorities & Units|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/1437|website=Indian Navy|access-date=16 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731185419/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/1437|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> Of these, [[INS Shivaji]] is one of the oldest naval bases in India. Commissioned in February 1945 as HMIS Shivaji, it now serves as the premier Technical Training Establishment (TTE) of the Indian Navy.<ref name="INS Shivaji - IN Official">{{cite web|title=INS Shivaji|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/1527|website=Indian Navy|access-date=16 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731151842/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/1527|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref>

In May 2005, the Indian Navy commissioned {{INS|Kadamba}} at [[Karwar]], {{convert|100|km}} from [[Goa]].<ref name="INS Kadamba - Navy Official">{{cite web|title=INS Kadamba|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/ins-kadamba|website=Indian Navy|access-date=16 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731160529/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/ins-kadamba|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> Built under the first phase of the [[Project Seabird]], at first it was an exclusively Navy controlled base without sharing port facilities with commercial shipping.<ref name="INS Kadamba commissioned - The Hindu">{{cite news|author1=Ravi Sharma|title=INS Kadamba commissioned|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/06/01/stories/2005060105071400.htm|access-date=16 July 2017|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=June 2005}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The Indian Navy also has berthing rights in Oman and Vietnam.<ref name="Overseas Military Bases of a budding Super Power - India">{{cite web|title=Overseas Military Bases of a budding Super Power – India|url=http://www.defencenews.in/article/Overseas-Military-Bases-of-a-budding-Super-Power---India-119322|website=Defence News|access-date=16 July 2017|date=28 November 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731150253/http://www.defencenews.in/article/Overseas-Military-Bases-of-a-budding-Super-Power---India-119322|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> The Navy operates a monitoring station, fitted with radars and surveillance gear to intercept maritime communication, in [[Madagascar]]. It also plans to build a further 32 radar stations in Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives and Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2020-12-20 |title=India looks at integrating more countries into coastal radar network |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-looks-at-integrating-more-countries-into-coastal-radar-network/article33379243.ece |access-date=2023-11-29 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> According to ''Intelligence Online'', published by a France-based global intelligence gathering organisation, Indigo Publications, the Navy is believed to be operating a listening post in [[Ras al Hadd|Ras al-Hadd]], Oman. The post is located directly across from [[Gwadar Port]] in [[Balochistan, Pakistan|Balochistan]], Pakistan, separated by approximately {{convert|400|km}} of the Arabian Sea.<ref name="Indian Listening Station In Oman Monitoring Pakistan's Naval Communications [RUMINT]">{{cite web|title=Indian Listening Station in Oman Monitoring Pakistan's Naval Communications|url=http://www.aame.in/2013/02/indian-listening-station-in-oman.html|website=AA Me, IN|access-date=16 July 2017|date=27 February 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731145401/http://www.aame.in/2013/02/indian-listening-station-in-oman.html|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref>

The navy operates {{INS|Kattabomman}}, a [[Very low frequency|VLF]] and [[Extremely low frequency|ELF]] transmission facility at Vijayanarayanapuram near [[Tirunelveli]] in Tamil Nadu.<ref name="INS Kattabomman">{{cite web|title=INS Kattabomman|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/5237|website=Indian Navy|access-date=16 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930184839/http://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/5237|archive-date=30 September 2016}}</ref> INS ''Abhimanyu'' and {{INS|Karna}} are two bases dedicated for [[MARCOS]].<ref name="INS Abhimanyu">{{cite web|title=INS Abhimanyu|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/5059|website=Indian Navy|access-date=16 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930192553/http://indiannavy.nic.in/node/5059|archive-date=30 September 2016}}</ref><ref name="Admiral Lanba commissions Marine Commandos unit 'INS Karna'">{{cite news|author1=G. S. Subrahmanyam|title=Admiral Lanba commissions Marine Commandos unit 'INS Karna'|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Admiral-Lanba-commissions-Marine-Commandos-unit-%E2%80%98INS-Karna%E2%80%99/article14485015.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=16 July 2017|date=12 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223224633/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Admiral-Lanba-commissions-Marine-Commandos-unit-%E2%80%98INS-Karna%E2%80%99/article14485015.ece|archive-date=23 December 2016}}</ref> [[INS Varsha|Project Varsha]] is a highly classified project undertaken by the Navy to construct a hi-tech base under the [[Eastern Naval Command]]. The base is said to house nuclear submarines and also a VLF facility.<ref name="How India's pride INS Arihant was built">{{cite news|author1=Jyoti Malhotra|title=How India's pride INS Arihant was built|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/specials/how-india-s-pride-ins-arihant-was-built-113081100745_1.html|newspaper=Business Standard India|access-date=16 July 2017|location=New Delhi|date=12 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211090449/http://www.business-standard.com/article/specials/how-india-s-pride-ins-arihant-was-built-113081100745_1.html|archive-date=11 February 2017}}</ref><ref name="India readies hi-tech naval base to keep eye on China">{{cite web|author1=Rajat Pandit|title=India readies hi-tech naval base to keep eye on China|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-readies-hi-tech-naval-base-to-keep-eye-on-China/articleshow/19203910.cms?referral=PM|website=The Times of India|access-date=16 July 2017|date=26 March 2013}}</ref>

===Training===
{{Main|Military academies in India}}
[[File:Indian Navy-03.jpg|thumb|Indian Navy personnel issued with [[Navy Working Uniform#Design|NWU Type-1 camo]] replacing previous "No. 10" uniform]]
Indian Navy has a specialized training command which is responsible for organisation, conduct and overseeing of all basic, professional and specialist training throughout the Navy. The Commander in Chief of Southern Command also serves as the Commander in Chief of Training Command. The Chief of Personnel (CoP) at HQ of Indian Navy is responsible for the framework of training and exercises the responsibility through Directorate of Naval Training (DNT).<ref name="The Training Command">{{cite web|title=The Training Command|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/themes/indiannavy/images/pdf/the-training-command.pdf|website=Indian Navy|access-date=7 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803044008/http://indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/themes/indiannavy/images/pdf/the-training-command.pdf|archive-date=3 August 2016}}</ref> The training year of Indian Navy is defined from 1 July to 30 June of the following year.<ref name="Foreign Training">{{cite web|title=Foreign Training|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/foreign-training|website=Indian Navy|access-date=7 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602054933/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/foreign-training|archive-date=2 June 2017}}</ref>

Seaman training is held at [[List of Indian Navy bases|INS Chilika]], Orissa.

Officer training is conducted at [[Indian Naval Academy]] (INA) at [[Ezhimala]], on the coast of [[Kerala]]. Established in 2009, it is the largest naval academy in Asia. Cadets from [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]] also move to INA for their later terms.<ref name="History Of INA">{{cite web|title=History of INA|url=http://ina.gov.in/?q=History|website=Indian Naval Academy|publisher=Indian Navy|access-date=7 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130081110/http://ina.gov.in/?q=History|archive-date=30 November 2016}}</ref> The Navy also has specialized training establishments for gunnery, aviation, leadership, logistics, music, medicine, physical training, educational training, engineering, hydrography, submarines etc. at several naval bases<ref name="Training Establishments">{{cite web|title=Training Establishments|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/training-establishments|website=Indian Navy|access-date=7 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606183508/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/training-establishments|archive-date=6 June 2017}}</ref> along the coastline of India.<ref name="Geographical Location of Academies">{{cite web|title=Geographical Location of Training Academies|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/geographical-location|website=Indian Navy|access-date=7 July 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602040411/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/geographical-location|archive-date=2 June 2017}}</ref> Naval officers also attend the tri-service institutions [[National Defence College (India)|National Defence College]], [[College of Defence Management]] and [[Defence Services Staff College]] for various staff courses to higher command and staff appointments. The Navy's [[War college]] is the [[Naval War College, Goa]].<ref name="The Training Command"/> A dedicated wing for naval architecture under Directorate of Naval Architecture at [[IIT Delhi]] is operated by the Navy.<ref name="Naval Construction Wing (NCW)">{{cite web|title=Naval Construction Wing (NCW)|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/themes/indiannavy/images/pdf/naval-construction-wing.pdf|website=Indian Navy|access-date=7 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803004726/http://indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/themes/indiannavy/images/pdf/naval-construction-wing.pdf|archive-date=3 August 2016}}</ref> Indian Navy also trains officers and men from the navies of friendly foreign countries.<ref name="Foreign Training"/>

===Rank structure===
{{Main|Naval ranks and insignia of India}}
{{Pie chart
| thumb  = left 
| radius = 100
| caption= Strength of the Indian Navy 
| label1 = Officers
| value1 = 10012
| color1 = #ffffff
| label2 = Sailors
| value2 = 57240
| color2 = #3f5277
|-
}}
{{As of|2019|6|1}}, the Navy has 10,012 officers and 57,240 sailors against a sanctioned strength of 11,557 officers and 74,046 sailors.<ref name=":1">{{cite news|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=192200|title=PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU OF INDIA}}</ref> This strength is inclusive of personnel from [[Indian Naval Air Arm|Naval Air Arm]], [[MARCOS|Marine Commando Force]] and [[Sagar Prahari Bal]] and exclusive of personnel from [[Armed Forces Medical Services]].<ref name="Strength of Manpower - PIB">{{cite web|author1=Subhash Bhamre|author-link1=Subhash Bhamre|title=Strength of Manpower|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=(Release%20ID%20:159474)|website=Press Information Bureau|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=8 July 2017|date=17 March 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731154753/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=%28Release%20ID%20%3A159474%29|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref>

====Officers====
India uses the [[Midshipman]] rank in its navy, and all future officers carry the rank upon entering the [[Indian Naval Academy]]. They are commissioned [[Sub-lieutenant]]s upon finishing their course of study.<ref name="Rank, rating and promotion">{{cite web|title=Rank, rating and promotion|url=http://nausena-bharti.nic.in/rank.php|website=Nausena Bharati|publisher=Indian Navy|access-date=8 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606034633/http://nausena-bharti.nic.in/rank.php|archive-date=6 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="Indian Navy - Rank and Ratings">{{cite web|title=Indian Navy – Rank and Ratings|url=http://nausena-bharti.nic.in/uniform4.php|website=Nausena Bharati|publisher=Indian Navy|access-date=8 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228175021/http://www.nausena-bharti.nic.in/uniform4.php|archive-date=28 December 2016}}</ref>

While the provision for the rank of [[Admiral of the Fleet]] exists, it is primarily intended for major wartime use and honour. No officer of the Indian Navy has yet been conferred this rank. Both the [[Indian Army|Army]] and [[Indian Air Force|Air Force]] have had officers who have been conferred with the equivalent rank – [[Field Marshal (India)|Field Marshals]] [[Sam Manekshaw]] and [[Kodandera Madappa Cariappa|Cariappa]] of the Army and [[Marshal of the Indian Air Force]] [[Arjan Singh]].<ref name="Did You Know That Only 3 People Have Been Given The Highest Ranks In The Indian Armed Forces?" />

The highest ranked naval officer in organisation structure is the [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of Naval Staff]], who holds the rank of admiral.<ref name="Indian Navy - Rank and Ratings"/>

{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:90%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OF/India}}
|}

====Rating personnel====
{{Main|Naval rating}}
In the Indian Navy, the sailors are initially listed as, Seaman 2nd class. As they grow through the ranks they attain the highest rank of enlisted personnel, Master chief petty officer 1st class. Sailors who possess leadership qualities and fulfill requisite conditions in terms of education, age etc. may be commissioned through Commission worthy and Special Duties (CW & SD) scheme.<ref name="Rank, rating and promotion" />
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
|- style="background:#ccc;"
! Rank group|| colspan=10| Junior commissioned officers || colspan=16| Non commissioned officer || colspan=10| Enlisted
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Navies/OR/India}}
|}

==== Navy MCPO ====
{{main|Navy Master Chief Petty Officer}}
Indian Navy has appointed Rajendra Kumar Behera MCPO I as the first Navy MCPO on 1 May 2022.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=SpokespersonNavy |user=indiannavy |number=1520759285629612033 |date=1 May 2022 |title=Congratulations to Virendra Chaneja MCPO I for being appointed as the #First Navy MCPO. A bold step towards ensuring seamless integration, effective communication and driving the change for a #futureproof #IndianNavy. #IndianNavy #Credible #Cohesive #OurMen #OurPride. https://t.co/ofdRdwnDIg |language=en |access-date=13 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529081630/https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/1520759285629612033 |archive-date=29 May 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Naval Air Arm===
{{Main|Indian Naval Air Arm}}
[[File:Dornier Do 228 of the Indian Navy.jpg|thumb|Indian Navy [[Dornier 228]] flying over Island territory.]]
The naval air-arm of the Indian Navy currently operates twenty-one [[Squadron (aviation)|air squadron]]s. Of these, ten operate fixed-wing aircraft, eight are helicopter squadrons and the remaining three are equipped with [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s (UAV). Building on the legacy inherited from the Royal Navy prior to Indian independence, the concept of [[naval aviation]] in India started with the establishment of Directorate of Naval Aviation at Naval Headquarters (NHQ) in early 1948. Later that year officers and sailors from the Indian Navy were sent to Britain for [[pilot training]]. In 1951, the Fleet Requirement Unit (FRU) was formed to meet the aviation requirements of the navy.{{Sfn|Hiranandani|2000|p=262}}

On 1 January 1953, the charge of [[Cochin]] airfield was handed over to the navy from the [[Directorate General of Civil Aviation (India)|Directorate General of Civil Aviation]]. On 11 March, the FRU was commissioned at Cochin with ten newly acquired [[Short Sealand|Sealand]] aircraft. The navy's first air station, [[INS Garuda|INS ''Garuda'']], was commissioned two months later. From February 1955 to December 1958, ten [[Fairey Firefly|Firefly]] aircraft were acquired. To meet the training requirements of the pilots, the indigenously developed [[HAL HT-2]] trainer was inducted into the FRU. On 17 January 1959, the FRU was commissioned as [[INAS 550|Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 550]], to be the first Indian naval air squadron.{{Sfn|Hiranandani|2000|p=262}}

[[File:HAL Dhruv during special operation.jpg|thumb|left|[[HAL Dhruv]] during special operation]]

Currently the air arm operates an aircraft carrier [[INS Vikramaditya|INS ''Vikramaditya'']] with ability to carry over thirty aircraft including MiG 29K, Kamov 31, Kamov 28, Sea King and domestic-built HAL-Dhruv and Chetak helicopters.<ref name="Antony to commission MIG-29 K fighters into Navy">{{cite web|title=Antony to commission MIG-29 K fighters into Navy|url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/antony-to-commission-mig-29-k-fighters-into-navy-607512.html|website=News 18|access-date=17 July 2017|date=6 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115193746/http://www.news18.com/news/india/antony-to-commission-mig-29-k-fighters-into-navy-607512.html|archive-date=15 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="About INS Vikramaditya - The newest & largest ship of Indian Navy">{{cite web|title=About INS Vikramaditya – The newest & largest ship of Indian Navy|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/about-ins-vikramaditya-newest-largest-ship-indian-navy|website=Indian Navy|access-date=17 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731153146/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/about-ins-vikramaditya-newest-largest-ship-indian-navy|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> The Kamov-31 choppers also provide the [[airborne early warning]] cover for the fleet.<ref name="Kamov Ka-31 Helix Airborne Early Warning Helicopter">{{cite web|title=Kamov Ka-31 Helix Airborne Early Warning Helicopter|url=http://www.military-today.com/helicopters/kamov_ka31.htm|website=Military Today|access-date=17 July 2017|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731162627/http://www.military-today.com/helicopters/kamov_ka31.htm|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> In the anti-submarine role, the [[Westland Sea King|Sea King]], [[Ka-28]], and the domestic built [[HAL Dhruv]] are used.{{Sfn|Hiranandani|2005|pp=88–89}}<ref name="Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH- DHRUV) - HAL">{{cite web|title=Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH- DHRUV)|url=http://www.hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=24|website=Hindustan Aeronautics Limited|access-date=17 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702093758/http://hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=24|archive-date=2 July 2017}}</ref> The [[MARCOS]] also use Sea King and HAL Dhruv helicopters while conducting operations. Maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations are carried out by the [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon]]<ref name="Indian Navy to induct 24 Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft">{{cite web|title=Indian Navy to induct 24 Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft|url=http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1272_Navy_to_induct_P8I.htm|website=India Strategic|access-date=17 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206232151/http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1272_Navy_to_induct_P8I.htm|archive-date=6 December 2011}}</ref><ref name="Indian Navy gets its most sophisticated system yet in P8-I Maritime Aircraft">{{cite web|author1=Gulshan Luthra|title=Indian Navy gets its most sophisticated system yet in P8-I Maritime Aircraft|url=http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1877_Indian_Navy_gets_most_sophisticated_system_in_P8-I_maritime_aircraft.htm|website=India Strategic|access-date=17 July 2017|date=January 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501152303/http://indiastrategic.in/topstories1877_Indian_Navy_gets_most_sophisticated_system_in_P8-I_maritime_aircraft.htm|archive-date=1 May 2013}}</ref> and the [[Ilyushin Il-38|Ilyushin 38]].<ref name="Ilyushin ll-38 May 'the Russian Orion">{{cite web|last1=Borst|first1=Marco P.J.|title=Ilyushin ll-38 May 'the Russian Orion|url=http://www.p3orion.nl/il-38%20may.pdf|website=Airborne Log|access-date=17 July 2017|date=1996|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910130518/http://www.p3orion.nl/il-38%20may.pdf|archive-date=10 September 2016}}</ref><ref name="INAS 312 – The Albatross">{{cite web|title=The Albatross|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/tu-142m|website=Indian Navy|access-date=17 July 2017|language=en|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731154459/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/tu-142m|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="INAS 315 – The Winged Stallions">{{cite web|title=INAS 315 – The Winged Stallions|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/il38|website=Indian Navy|access-date=17 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116022459/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/il38|archive-date=16 November 2016}}</ref> Indian Navy is also procuring 24 [https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/sikorsky-mh-60-seahawk-helicopters.html Lockheed Martin MH-60R] Multi Role Helicopters under the foreign military sales from the US.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Manjeet |last1=Negi |first2=Abhishek |last2=Bhalla |date=July 17, 2021 |title=Indian Navy receives first two 24 MH-60R helicopters from US |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-navy-receives-first-two-mh-60r-helicopters-from-us-1829217-2021-07-17 |access-date=2022-05-29 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

The [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]] arm consists of the [[IAI Heron]] and Searcher-IIs that are operated from both surface ships and shore establishments for surveillance missions.<ref name="INAS 342 – The Flying Sentinels">{{cite web|title=INAS 342 – The Flying Sentinels|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/uav|website=Indian Navy|access-date=17 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116164957/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/uav|archive-date=16 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="Indian Naval Air Squadron 343">{{cite web|title=Indian Naval Air Squadron 343|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/inas-343|website=Indian Navy|access-date=17 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116164907/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/inas-343|archive-date=16 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="UAV SQUADRON COMMISSIONED ON EAST COAST">{{cite web|title=UAV SQUADRON COMMISSIONED ON EAST COAST|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/files/press_release_document/PRel_120411_INAS-344-Commissioned.pdf|website=Indian Navy|access-date=17 July 2017|date=11 April 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116164352/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/sites/default/files/press_release_document/PRel_120411_INAS-344-Commissioned.pdf|archive-date=16 November 2016}}</ref>

The Indian Navy also maintains an aerobatic display team, the ''[[Sagar Pawan]]''. The Sagar Pawan team will be replacing their present Kiran [[HAL Kiran|HJT-16]] aircraft with the newly developed [[HAL HJT-36|HJT-36]] aircraft.<ref name="KIRAN MK 1/1A/2">{{cite web|title=KIRAN MK 1/1A/2|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/kiran-mk-11a2|website=Indian Navy|access-date=17 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116164944/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/kiran-mk-11a2|archive-date=16 November 2016}}</ref>

===MARCOS===
{{Main|MARCOS}}
[[File:MARCOS and US Navy SEALs, Urban Combat Training, MALABAR 2021 (bright).jpg|thumb|right|A Marine Commando during urban combat training at Malabar 2021.]]

The [[MARCOS (India)|Marine Commando Force]] (MCF), also known as ''MARCOS'', is a [[special operations]] unit that was raised by the Indian Navy in 1987 for [[Amphibious warfare]], [[Close quarters combat|Close Quarter Combat]] [[Counter-terrorism]], [[Direct action (military)|Direct action]], [[Special reconnaissance]], [[Unconventional warfare]], [[Hostage rescue]], [[Personnel recovery]], [[Combat search and rescue]], [[Asymmetric warfare]], [[Foreign internal defence]], [[Counterproliferation]], [[Amphibious reconnaissance]] including [[Amphibious reconnaissance|Hydrographic reconnaissance]].<ref name="INS Abhimanyu"/> Since their inception MARCOS proved themselves in various operations and wars, notable of them include [[Operation Pawan]], [[1988 Maldives coup d'état|Operation Cactus]], [[United Nations Operation in Somalia II|UNOSOM II]], [[Kargil War]] and [[Operation Black Tornado]].<ref name="15 Reasons The Indian Navy MARCOS Are The Best In The World">{{cite web|author1=Abhishek Saxena|title=15 Reasons The Indian Navy MARCOS Are The Best in the World|url=http://www.indiatimes.com/culture/who-we-are/15-reasons-the-indian-navy-marcos-are-the-best-in-the-world-232296.html|website=India Times|access-date=17 July 2017|date=2 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126093127/http://www.indiatimes.com/culture/who-we-are/15-reasons-the-indian-navy-marcos-are-the-best-in-the-world-232296.html|archive-date=26 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="The Emerging Role of the Indian Navy in the New World Order - I">{{cite web|author1=Vice Admiral G. M. Hiranandani (retd.)|author-link1=Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani|title=The Emerging Role of the Indian Navy in the New World Order – I|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/the-emerging-role-of-the-indian-navy-in-the-new-world-order-i/2/|website=Indian Defence Review|access-date=17 July 2017|date=11 April 2011}}</ref> They are also actively deployed on anti-piracy operations throughout the year.<ref name="Indian navy captures 61 Somalian pirates and stolen 'mother ship' after deadly gun battle">{{cite web |title=Indian navy holds 61 pirates after skirmish at sea |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/14/indian-navy-pirates-holds-61 |website=Guardian |access-date=2 January 2020 |date=14 March 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102154023/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/14/indian-navy-pirates-holds-61 |archive-date=2 January 2020 }}</ref><ref name="Indian Navy foils pirates' attempt to attack Liberian vessel in Gulf of Aden">{{cite web|title=Indian Navy foils pirates' attempt to attack Liberian vessel in Gulf of Aden|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/170517/indian-navy-foils-pirates-attempt-to-attack-liberian-vessel-in-gulf-of-aden.html|website=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=17 July 2017|date=17 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519075333/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/170517/indian-navy-foils-pirates-attempt-to-attack-liberian-vessel-in-gulf-of-aden.html|archive-date=19 May 2017}}</ref>

==Equipment==

===Ships===
{{Main|List of active Indian Navy ships}}
{{See also|List of ships of the Indian Navy}}
[[File:INS Vikrant (R11) and INS Vikramaditya (R33) during joint exercise.jpg|thumb| Aircraft carriers [[INS Vikramaditya (R33)|INS ''Vikramaditya'']] and [[INS Vikrant (2013)|INS ''Vikrant'']]]]
[[File:Imphal Y-12706 launching Brahmos during trials (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[INS Imphal (D68)]] firing [[BrahMos]] Extended Range supersonic cruise missile.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-22 |title=WATCH: India's Guided Missile destroyer Imphal hits 'bulls-eye' in maiden BrahMos firing |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/watch-indias-guided-missile-destroyer-imphal-hits-bulls-eye-in-maiden-brahmos-firing-13415622.html |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref>]]
[[File:INS Nilgiri, INS Surat and INS Vagsheer during commissioning ceremony.jpg|thumb|Glimpses of commissioning of three frontline naval combatants - [[INS Surat]], [[INS Nilgiri (2019)|INS Nilgiri]] and [[INS Vagsheer (S26)|INS Vaghsheer]]]]

The names of all in service ships and naval bases of the Indian Navy are prefixed with the letters '''INS''', designating ''Indian Naval Ship'' or ''Indian Navy Station'',<ref name="Ship Naming in the United States Navy">{{cite web|title=Ship Naming in the United States Navy|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/customs-and-traditions/ship-naming.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203114725/http://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/customs-and-traditions/ship-naming.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 February 2015|website=Naval History and Heritage Command|publisher=United States Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|quote=India and Israel both use "INS" to mean Indian Naval Ship or Israeli Navy Ship.}}</ref> whereas the sail boats are prefixed with INSV (Indian Naval Sailing Vessel).<ref name="Tir Class, Sail Ships/Boats, Sagardhwani Class" /> The fleet of the Indian Navy is a mixture of domestic built and foreign vessels, {{as of|2025|5|lc=y}}, the surface fleet comprises 2 [[aircraft carriers]],<ref name="Vikramaditya, Vikrant, Delhi Class, Rajput Class, Kolkata Class">{{cite web|title=Vikramaditya, Viraat, Delhi Class, Rajput Class, Kolkata Class|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/vikramaditya-viraat-delhi-class-rajput-class-kolkata-class|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731154754/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/vikramaditya-viraat-delhi-class-rajput-class-kolkata-class|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="INS Viraat Decommissioned">{{cite web|title=INS Viraat Decommissioned|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/ins-viraat-decommissioned|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731160452/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/ins-viraat-decommissioned|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> 1 [[amphibious transport dock]],<ref name="Austin Class, Shardul Cass, Magar Class">{{cite web|title=Austin Class, Shardul Cass, Magar Class|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/austin-class-shardul-cass-magar-class|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731151637/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/austin-class-shardul-cass-magar-class|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> 4 [[Landing Ship, Tank|landing ship tanks]],<ref name="Austin Class, Shardul Cass, Magar Class" /><ref name="Kumbhir Class, LCU (MK-3) Class">{{cite web|title=Kumbhir Class, LCU (MK-3) Class|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/kumbhir-class-lcu-mk-3-class|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731154710/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/kumbhir-class-lcu-mk-3-class|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> 13 [[destroyer]]s,<ref name="Vikramaditya, Vikrant, Delhi Class, Rajput Class, Kolkata Class" /> 15 [[frigate]]s,<ref name="Shivalik Class, Talwar Class, Kamorta Class">{{cite web|title=Shivalik Class, Talwar Class, Kamorta Class|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/shivalik-class-talwar-class-kamorta-class|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731154548/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/shivalik-class-talwar-class-kamorta-class|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="Brahmaputra Class, Godavari Class">{{cite web|title=Brahmaputra Class, Godavari Class|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/brahmaputra-class-godavari-class|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731154924/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/brahmaputra-class-godavari-class|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> 20 [[corvette]]s,<ref name="Shivalik Class, Talwar Class, Kamorta Class" /><ref name="Kora Class, Khukri Class">{{cite web|title=Kora Class, Khukri Class|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/kora-class-khukri-class|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731153200/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/kora-class-khukri-class|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="Veer Class, Abhay Class">{{cite web|title=Veer Class, Abhay Class|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/veer-class-abhay-class|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731151626/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/veer-class-abhay-class|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="Indian Navy Corvettes INS Veer And Nipat Decommissioned After 29 and 28 Years Of Service To The Nation">{{cite web|author1=Surabhi Nijhawan|title=Indian Navy Corvettes INS Veer And Nipat Decommissioned After 29 and 28 Years of Service to the Nation|url=http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/indian-navy-corvettes-ins-veer-and-nipat-decommissioned-after-29-and-28-years-of-service-to-the-nation-254218.html|website=India Times|access-date=18 July 2017|date=28 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731151456/http://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/indian-navy-corvettes-ins-veer-and-nipat-decommissioned-after-29-and-28-years-of-service-to-the-nation-254218.html|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> 10 large offshore [[Patrol boat|patrol vessels]],<ref name="Sukanya Class, Saryu Class, Karwar Class">{{cite web|title=Sukanya Class, Saryu Class, Karwar Class|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/sukanya-class-saryu-class-karwar-class|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731185745/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/sukanya-class-saryu-class-karwar-class|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> 4 [[Replenishment oiler|fleet tankers]],<ref name="Fleet Tankers, Torpedo Recovery Vessels, Ocean Going Tugs, Nireekshak Class">{{cite web|title=Fleet Tankers, Torpedo Recovery Vessels, Ocean Going Tugs, Nireekshak Class|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/fleet-tankers-torpedo-recovery-vessels-ocean-going-tugs-nireekshak-class|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731153154/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/fleet-tankers-torpedo-recovery-vessels-ocean-going-tugs-nireekshak-class|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> 7 [[Survey vessel|Survey ships]],<ref name="Sandhayak Class, Makar Class">{{cite web|title=Sandhayak Class, Makar Class|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/sandhayak-class-makar-class|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731151020/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/sandhayak-class-makar-class|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> 1 [[research vessel]],<ref name="Tir Class, Sail Ships/Boats, Sagardhwani Class"/> 3 [[Training ship|training vessels]]<ref name="Tir Class, Sail Ships/Boats, Sagardhwani Class">{{cite web|title=Tir Class, Sail Ships/Boats, Sagardhwani Class|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/tir-class-sail-shipsboats-sagardhwani-class|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731153206/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/tir-class-sail-shipsboats-sagardhwani-class|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> and various [[Auxiliary ship|auxiliary vessels]], [[Landing Craft Utility]] vessels,<ref name="Kumbhir Class, LCU (MK-3) Class"/> and small [[patrol boat]]s.<ref name="Fleet Tankers, Torpedo Recovery Vessels, Ocean Going Tugs, Nireekshak Class"/><ref name="Trinket Class, Super Dvora II Class, Bangaram Class, Car Nicobar Class, Immediate Support Vessels">{{cite web|title=Trinket Class, Super Dvora II Class, Bangaram Class, Car Nicobar Class, Immediate Support Vessels|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/trinket-class-super-dvora-ii-class-bangaram-class-car-nicobar-class-immediate-support|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731155125/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/trinket-class-super-dvora-ii-class-bangaram-class-car-nicobar-class-immediate-support|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref>

The Navy has two aircraft carriers in active service, one of which is the [[INS Vikramaditya (R33)|INS ''Vikramaditya'']], which serves as the flagship of the fleet.<ref name="INS Viraat Decommissioned" /> ''Vikramaditya'' (formerly ''Admiral Gorshkov'') is a modified {{Sclass|Kiev|aircraft carrier}} procured at a total cost $2.3 billion from Russia in December 2013. A second aircraft carrier, the indigenously built [[INS Vikrant (2013)|INS ''Vikrant'']] was commissioned on 2 September 2022.<ref name="India's first homegrown aircraft carrier puts it among world's naval elites">{{cite web|title=India's first homegrown aircraft carrier puts it among world's naval elites
|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/02/asia/india-indigenous-aircraft-carrier-vikrant-commissioned-intl-hnk-ml/index.html|website=CNN|date=2 September 2022 |access-date=2 September 2022}}</ref> The Navy has an [[amphibious transport dock]] of the {{sclass|Austin|amphibious transport dock|4}}, renamed as [[INS Jalashwa|INS ''Jalashwa'']] in Indian service. It also maintains a fleet of [[Landing Ship, Tank|landing ship tanks]].<ref name="Austin Class, Shardul Cass, Magar Class" />

[[File:INS Shakti A57.jpg|thumb|right|{{INS|Shakti|A57|6}}, a {{sclass|Deepak|fleet tanker|1}}]]

The navy currently operates three {{sclass|Visakhapatnam|destroyer|5}}, three {{sclass|Kolkata|destroyer|5}}, three {{sclass|Delhi|destroyer|5}} and three {{sclass|Rajput|destroyer|5}}-class [[guided-missile destroyer]]s.<ref name="Vikramaditya, Vikrant, Delhi Class, Rajput Class, Kolkata Class" /> The ships of the ''Rajput'' class are being replaced by the next-generation {{sclass|Visakhapatnam|destroyer|1}}s (Project 15B) which feature a number of improvements.<ref name="INS Visakhapatnam', First Ship of Project 15B launched">{{cite web|title=INS Visakhapatnam', First Ship of Project 15B launched|url=http://www.indiannavy.nic.in/news-events/ins-visakhapatnam-first-ship-project-15b-launched|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034817/http://www.indiannavy.nic.in/news-events/ins-visakhapatnam-first-ship-project-15b-launched|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In addition to destroyers, the navy operates several classes of frigates such as three {{sclass|Shivalik|frigate|5}} (Project 17 class) and six {{sclass|Talwar|frigate|5}}-class frigates.<ref name="Shivalik Class, Talwar Class, Kamorta Class" /> Seven additional modified ''Shivalik''-class frigates ([[Project 17A class frigate]]s) are on order, all of which are under various stages of construction. Smaller [[littoral zone]] [[combatant ship|combatants]] in service are in the form of corvettes, of which the Indian Navy operates the [[Kamorta-class corvette|''Kamorta'']], {{sclass|Kora|corvette|5}}, {{sclass|Khukri|corvette|5}}, {{sclass|Veer|corvette|5}} and {{sclass|Abhay|corvette|0}} corvettes.<ref name="Shivalik Class, Talwar Class, Kamorta Class" /><ref name="Kora Class, Khukri Class" /><ref name="Veer Class, Abhay Class" /> [[Replenishment ship|Replenishment tankers]] such as the [[Komandarm Fedko-class oiler|''Jyoti''-class tanker]], {{INS|Aditya|A59|6}} and the new {{sclass|Deepak|fleet tanker|1}} help improve the navy's endurance at sea.<ref name="Fleet Tankers, Torpedo Recovery Vessels, Ocean Going Tugs, Nireekshak Class" />

====Submarines====
{{Main|List of submarines of the Indian Navy}}
[[File:INS Kalvari (S21) at sea.jpg|thumb|[[INS Kalvari (S21)|INS ''Kalvari'']], conventional submarine of the Indian Navy]]

{{As of|2024|08}}, the Navy's sub-surface fleet includes three [[Arihant-class submarines|Arihant-class]] [[ballistic missile submarine|SSBN]] 16 conventionally-powered attack [[submarine]]s.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=2024-08-11 |title=India set to commission its second nuclear-missile submarine |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-set-to-commission-its-second-nuclear-missile-submarine/articleshow/112438432.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-08-12 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> The conventional attack submarines of the Indian Navy consist of five {{sclass|Kalvari|submarine|5||2015}} (French {{sclass2|Scorpène|submarine|2}} design), seven {{sclass|Sindhughosh|submarine|5}} (Russian {{sclass2|Kilo|submarine|2}} design), and the four {{sclass|Shishumar|submarine|5}} (German [[Type 209 submarine|Type 209/1500]] design) classes.<ref name="Submarines Active">{{cite web|title=Submarines Active|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/submarines-active|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602043152/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/submarines-active|archive-date=2 June 2017|access-date=18 July 2017|website=Indian Navy}}</ref><ref name="Sindhughosh Class">{{cite web|title=Sindhughosh Class|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/5336|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001221714/http://indiannavy.nic.in/node/5336|archive-date=1 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="Shishumar Class">{{cite web|title=Shishumar Class|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/5337|website=Indian Navy|access-date=18 July 2017}}</ref>

India previously possessed a single {{sclass2|Akula|submarine|5}}-class [[nuclear marine propulsion|nuclear-powered]] [[attack submarine]] named {{INS|Chakra|2011|6}}. She was leased to India for a period of ten years, between 2012 and 2021. Three hundred Indian Navy personnel were trained in Russia for the operation of these submarines.<ref name="INS Chakra: Govt inducts Russian-origin Akula II class Nerpa into Navy">{{cite news|title=INS Chakra: Govt inducts Russian-origin Akula II class Nerpa into Navy|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/ins-chakra-govt-inducts-russian-origin-akula-ii-class-nerpa-into-navy/articleshow/12526102.cms|newspaper=Economic Times|access-date=18 July 2017|date=4 April 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906070351/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/ins-chakra-govt-inducts-russian-origin-akula-ii-class-nerpa-into-navy/articleshow/12526102.cms|archive-date=6 September 2015}}</ref> Negotiations are on with Russia for the lease of the second Akula-class submarine.<ref name="India to Lease a Second Nuclear Submarine From Russia">{{cite web|author1=Sudhi Ranjan Sen|title=India to Lease a Second Nuclear Submarine From Russia|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-to-lease-a-second-nuclear-submarine-from-russia-714039|website=NDTV|access-date=18 July 2017|date=16 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701130337/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-to-lease-a-second-nuclear-submarine-from-russia-714039|archive-date=1 July 2017}}</ref><ref name=":3" />

{{INS|Arihant}} was launched on 26 July 2009 in [[Visakhapatnam]], and was secretly commissioned into active service in August 2016.<ref name="Now, India has a nuclear triad">{{cite news|title=Now, India has a nuclear triad|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Now-India-has-a-nuclear-triad/article16074127.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=18 July 2017|date=18 October 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221185205/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Now-India-has-a-nuclear-triad/article16074127.ece|archive-date=21 December 2016|last1=Peri|first1=Dinakar}}</ref> The Navy plans to have six nuclear-powered [[ballistic missile submarine]]s in service in the near future.<ref name="Navy creating a new base for nuke submarines">{{cite web|author1=Suman Sharma|title=Navy creating a new base for nuke submarines|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-navy-creating-a-new-base-for-nuke-submarines-1395220|website=DNA India|access-date=18 July 2017|date=12 June 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107070526/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-navy-creating-a-new-base-for-nuke-submarines-1395220|archive-date=7 January 2016}}</ref> ''Arihant'' is both the first boat of the {{sclass|Arihant|submarine|0}} nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and the first nuclear-powered submarine to be built in India.<ref name="India set to launch nuclear-powered submarine">{{cite web|author1=Rajat Pandit|title=India set to launch nuclear-powered submarine|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-set-to-launch-nuclear-powered-submarine/articleshow/4787167.cms?referral=PM|website=The Times of India|access-date=18 July 2017|date=17 July 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201071911/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-set-to-launch-nuclear-powered-submarine/articleshow/4787167.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=1 February 2015}}</ref>

India is planning to entirely modernise its submarine fleet. Initially, it was planned that 24 conventionally powered attack submarine would be acquired. First 12 submarines (6 [[Kalvari-class submarine (2015)|Project 75]] and 6 [[Project-75 (India) submarine acquisition project|Project 75I]]) would be inducted by 2012 and the next 12 indigenous [[Project 76-class submarines|Project 76 submarines]] would be inducted by 2030. However, this was revised in 2015. Now, the planned numbers stand at 4 SSBNs, 6 SSNs and 18 conventionally powered [[attack submarine]]s. The clearance for [[Project 75 Alpha]] submarines was approved by the Government on 18 February 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pandit |first=Rajat |date=2015-02-18 |title=Government clears construction of 7 stealth frigates, 6 nuclear-powered attack submarines |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/government-clears-construction-of-7-stealth-frigates-6-nuclear-powered-attack-submarines/articleshow/46282586.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-08-12 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> {{As of|2024|08}}, the Navy's planned acquisitions of submarines include :–

* 5 [[Arihant-class submarine]]s (2 operational, 2 launched, 1 planned)<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=2024-08-11 |title=India 'fully ready' to add to fleet 2nd submarine with nuclear-tipped missiles |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-fully-ready-to-add-to-fleet-2nd-sub-with-n-tipped-missiles/articleshow/112433199.cms |access-date=2024-08-12 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
* 3 [[S5-class submarine]]<ref name=":03">{{Cite news |date=2022-12-04 |title=Much improved & bigger 3rd Generation S5 SSBN of the Indian Navy to enter production in 2027 |url=https://theigmp.org/much-improved-bigger-3rd-generation-s5-ssbn-of-the-indian-navy-to-enter-production-in-2027/ |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=IgMp}}</ref>
* 6 [[Project 75 Alpha]]-class nuclear attack submarines in 2 phases (also called Project 77 submarines)<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />
* 9 Project 75 ([[Kalvari-class submarine (2015)|Kalvari]]) class submarines (6 operational, 3 more planned)<ref name="vagircommission">{{Cite web |date=23 January 2023 |title=INS Vagir, 5th submarine of Kalvari class, commissioned into Indian Navy |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ins-vagir-5th-submarine-of-kalvari-class-commissioned-into-indian-navy-101674446874240.html |website=www.hindustantimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-29 |title=Indian Navy's new Scorpene submarines to have Made in India 'Heart' by BEL with French architecture: French Naval Group |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/indian-navys-new-scorpene-submarines-to-have-made-in-india-heart-by-bel-with-french-architecture-french-naval-group20240729133835/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=[[Asian News International|ANI]]}}</ref>
* 6 [[Project-75 (India) submarine acquisition project|Project 75I-class]] (Field Evaluation Phase)<ref name="Hindu">{{Cite web |date=5 May 2024 |title=Field evaluation of bids for Navy's mega submarine deal underway; German govt. to acquire stake in TKMS |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/field-evaluation-of-bids-for-navys-mega-submarine-deal-underway-german-govt-to-acquire-stake-in-tkms/article68142895.ece |website=The Hindu}}</ref><ref name="Testing">{{Cite news |last1=Peri |first1=Dinakar |date=1 June 2024 |title=Field evaluation of submarine bids under P-75I complete |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/field-evaluation-of-submarine-bids-under-p-75i-complete/article68355984.ece |newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> and
* 12 indigenous [[Project 76-class submarines|Project 76 submarines]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-08-11 |title=MDL surges ahead in India's Rs 60,000 crore submarine project after clearing key trials |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/mdl-surges-ahead-in-indias-rs-60000-crore-submarine-project-after-clearing-key-trials/articleshow/112448280.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-08-12 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2024-04-04 |title=Indian Navy team in Germany to inspect AIP tech for new submarines, Spain next |url=https://theprint.in/defence/indian-navy-team-in-germany-to-inspect-aip-tech-for-new-submarines-spain-next/2027506/ |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Aircraft===
{{Further|Indian Naval Air Arm}}
{{Excerpt|List of active Indian military aircraft#Naval Air Arm}}

===Weapon systems===
{{Main|Weapon systems of the Indian Navy}}
[[File:VLSRSAM.jpg|thumb|[[VL-SRSAM]] fired from Naval ship will replace Barak-1 in service.]]
[[File:Shakti Thermal Torpedo.jpg|thumb|Shakti Thermal Torpedo]]

The Navy use a mix of indigenously developed and foreign made [[missile]] systems. These include submarine-launched ballistic missiles, ship-launched ballistic missiles, cruise and anti-ship missiles, air-to-air missiles, surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, air-to-air guns, main guns and anti-submarine rocket launchers. Its inventory comprises {{convert|100|mm|abbr=on}} [[AK-100 (naval gun)|AK 190]] gun with a range of {{convert|21.5|km}}, {{convert|130|km}} [[Kh-35|KH-35E]] 4 Quad Uran, ASW [[RBU-6000|RBU-2000]] etc.<ref name="The progression of Indian Navy's weaponry and status">{{cite web|author1=Commodore Ranjit B Rai (retd.)|title=The progression of Indian Navy's weaponry and status|url=http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories3119_the_progression_of_Indian_Navy_weaponry_and_status.htm|website=India Strategic|access-date=23 July 2017|date=December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803214245/http://indiastrategic.in/topstories3119_the_progression_of_Indian_Navy_weaponry_and_status.htm|archive-date=3 August 2016}}</ref>

In recent years, [[BrahMos]] has been one of the most advanced missile system adapted by the Indian Navy. It has been jointly developed by India's [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) and Russian [[NPO Mashinostroyeniya]]. BrahMos is the world's fastest anti-ship cruise missile in operation.<ref name="India Test Fires Supersonic Cruise Missile">{{cite web|author1=Franz-Stefan Gady|title=India Test Fires Supersonic Cruise Missile|url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/03/india-test-fires-supersonic-cruise-missile/|website=The Diplomat|publisher=he Convention News Company, Inc.|access-date=23 July 2017|date=15 March 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320053552/https://thediplomat.com/2017/03/india-test-fires-supersonic-cruise-missile/|archive-date=20 March 2017}}</ref> The BrahMos has been tailored to meet Indian needs and features a large proportion of India-designed components and technology, including its fire control systems, transporter erector launchers, and its onboard navigational attack systems. The successful test of Brahmos from {{INS|Rajput|D51|6}} provides Indian Navy with precision land attack capability.<ref name="Brahmos naval version tested successfully">{{cite web|title=Brahmos naval version tested successfully|url=http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=36060|website=Press Information Bureau|access-date=23 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924123630/http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=36060|archive-date=24 September 2010|date=25 March 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

India has also fitted its [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon|Boeing P-8I]] reconnaissance aircraft with all-weather, [[Active radar homing|active-radar-homing]], over-the-horizon [[Harpoon (missile)|AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles]] and [[Mark 54 Lightweight Torpedo|Mk 54]] All-Up-Round Lightweight Torpedoes.<ref name="Indian Navy Requests New Patrol Aircraft">{{cite web|author1=Neelam Mathews|title=Indian Navy Requests New Patrol Aircraft|url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2013-08-23/indian-navy-requests-new-patrol-aircraft|website=AIN Online|access-date=23 July 2017|date=23 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731145403/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2013-08-23/indian-navy-requests-new-patrol-aircraft|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> Indian warships' primary air-defence shield is provided by [[Barak 1]] surface-to-air missile while an advanced version [[Barak 8]] is in development in collaboration with Israel.<ref name="Air Defense: Barak Gets Bigger And Better">{{cite web|title=Air Defense: Barak Gets Bigger And Better|url=https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htada/20130807.aspxv|website=Strategy Page|publisher=Strategy World|access-date=23 July 2017|date=7 August 2013|archive-date=1 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201195647/https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htada/20130807.aspxv|url-status=dead}}</ref> India's next-generation {{Sclass2|Scorpène|submarine|0}} submarines will be armed with [[Exocet|Exocet anti-ship missile]] system. Among indigenous missiles, ship-launched version of [[Prithvi (missile)|Prithvi-II]] is called [[Dhanush (missile)|Dhanush]], which has a range of {{convert|350|km|mi}} and can carry nuclear warheads.<ref name="Nuclear-capable Dhanush successfully test-fired">{{cite news|author1=Y. Mallikarjun|title=Nuclear-capable Dhanush successfully test-fired|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Nuclear-capable-Dhanush-successfully-test-fired/article12546296.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=5 October 2012}}</ref>

The K-15 [[Sagarika (missile)|Sagarika]] (Oceanic) [[Submarine-launched ballistic missile|submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM)]], which has a range of at least 700&nbsp;km (some sources claim 1000&nbsp;km) forms part of India's nuclear triad and is extensively tested to be integrated with the ''Arihant'' class of nuclear submarines.<ref name="India ready to join elite N-strike club">{{cite web|author1=Rajat Pandit|title=India ready to join elite N-strike club|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-ready-to-join-elite-N-strike-club/articleshow/2793635.cms?referral=PM|website=The Times of India|access-date=23 July 2017|date=19 February 2008}}</ref><ref name="India successfully test-fires underwater missile">{{cite news|title=India successfully test-fires underwater missile|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-successfully-testfires-underwater-missile/article4350553.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=23 July 2017|date=19 February 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124182916/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-successfully-testfires-underwater-missile/article4350553.ece|archive-date=24 November 2016|last1=Mallikarjun|first1=Y.|last2=Subramanian|first2=T. S.}}</ref> A longer range submarine launched ballistic missile called [[K-4 (SLBM)|K-4]] is under induction process, to be followed by [[Agni-VI#Agni-VI SLBM|K-5]] SLBM.<ref name="India Inches Closer to Credible Nuclear Triad With K-4 SLBM Test">{{cite web|author1=Ankit Panda|title=India Inches Closer to Credible Nuclear Triad With K-4 SLBM Test|url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/05/india-inches-closer-to-credible-nuclear-triad-with-k-4-slbm-test/|website=The Diplomat|access-date=23 July 2017|date=13 May 2004|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808153939/https://thediplomat.com/2014/05/india-inches-closer-to-credible-nuclear-triad-with-k-4-slbm-test/|archive-date=8 August 2017}}</ref>

===Electronic warfare and systems management===

''Sangraha'' is a joint [[electronic warfare]] programme between [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) and the Indian Navy. The programme is intended to develop a family of electronic warfare suites, for use on different naval platforms capable of detecting, intercepting, and classifying pulsed, [[carrier wave]], [[pulse repetition frequency]] agile, frequency agile and [[chirp]] [[radar]]s. The systems are suitable for deployment on various platforms like helicopters, vehicles, and ships. Certain platforms, along with [[electronic support measures|ESM]] (Electronic Support Measures) capabilities, have [[electronic countermeasures|ECM]] (Electronic Countermeasure) capabilities such as multiple-beam phased array jammers.<ref name="Area of Work DRDO">{{cite web|title=Area of Work DRDO|url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs1/DLRL/English/indexnew.jsp?pg=areaofwork.jsp|website=Defence Research and Development Organization|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=23 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814102018/https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs1/DLRL/English/indexnew.jsp?pg=areaofwork.jsp|archive-date=14 August 2017}}</ref>

The Indian Navy also relies on information technology to face the challenges of the 21st century. The Indian Navy is implementing a new strategy to move from a platform centric force to a network centric force by linking all shore-based installations and ships via a high-speed data networks and satellites.<ref name="Navy building high-speed data network">{{cite news|author1=Arunkumar Bhatt|title=Navy building high-speed data network|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/06/stories/2004120602511200.htm|access-date=23 July 2017|date=6 December 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107070527/http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/06/stories/2004120602511200.htm|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=7 January 2016}}</ref><ref>Vijay Sakhuja [https://web.archive.org/web/20090107234142/http://www.ipcs.org/Military_articles2.jsp?action=showView&kValue=1467&keyArticle=1019&status=article&mod=a Change but Continuity: The Indian Navy Marches Ahead]. Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies. 10 August 2004</ref><ref name="Change but Continuity: The Indian Navy Marches Ahead IPCS">{{cite web|author1=Vijay Sakhuja|title=Change but Continuity: The Indian Navy Marches Ahead|url=http://www.ipcs.org/Military_articles2.jsp?action=showView&kValue=1467&keyArticle=1019&status=article&mod=a|website=Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies|access-date=23 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107234142/http://www.ipcs.org/Military_articles2.jsp?action=showView&kValue=1467&keyArticle=1019&status=article&mod=a|archive-date=7 January 2009|date=10 August 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref> This will help in increased operational awareness. The network is referred to as the Navy Enterprise Wide Network (NEWN). The Indian Navy has also provided training to all its personnel in Information Technology (IT) at the Naval Institute of Computer Applications (NICA) located in Mumbai. Information technology is also used to provide better training, like the usage of simulators and for better management of the force.<ref name="Information technology and Indian Navy">{{cite web|title=Information technology and Indian Navy|website=Deccan Herald |access-date= 23 July 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060426142838/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/apr122006/cyberspace1319112006411.asp |url= http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/apr122006/cyberspace1319112006411.asp |date=12 April 2006 |archive-date= 26 April 2006}}</ref>

The Navy has a dedicated cadre for matters pertaining to information technology cadre named as Information Technology Cadre,<ref name="Indian Navy to have Information Technology cadre">{{cite news|title=Indian Navy to have Information Technology cadre|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/indian-navy-to-have-information-technology-cadre/articleshow/14854285.cms|newspaper=Economic Times|access-date=23 July 2017|date=12 July 2012}}</ref> under the Directorate of Information Technology (DRI). The cadre is responsible for implementation for enterprise wide networking and software development projects, development activities with respect to cyber security products, administration of shore and on-board networks, and management of critical Naval Networks and software applications.<ref name="Directorate of Information Technology">{{cite web|title=Directorate of Information Technology|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/directorate-information-technology|website=Indian Navy|access-date=23 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803030007/http://indiannavy.nic.in/content/directorate-information-technology|archive-date=3 August 2016}}</ref>

===Naval satellite===
India's first exclusive defence satellite [[GSAT-7]] was successfully launched by European space consortium Arianespace's rocket from [[Kourou spaceport]] in [[French Guiana]] in August 2013. GSAT-7 was fabricated by the [[Indian Space Research Organisation]] (ISRO) to serve for at least seven years in its orbital slot at 74°E, providing [[UHF]], [[S-band]], [[C band (IEEE)|C-band]] and [[Ku-band]] relay capacity. Its Ku-band allows high-density data transmission, including both audio and video. This satellite also has a provision to reach smaller and mobile terminals.<ref name="GSAT-7: India's Strategic Satellite">{{cite web|author1=Ajey Lele|title=GSAT-7: India's Strategic Satellite|url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/opinion/37142gsat-7-india%E2%80%99s-strategic-satellite|website=Space News|access-date=19 July 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131001142106/http://www.spacenews.com/article/opinion/37142gsat-7-india%E2%80%99s-strategic-satellite|archive-date=1 October 2013|url-status=dead|date=9 September 2013}}</ref>

GSAT-7 approximately has a footprint of {{convert|3500|–|4000|km|mi nmi|abbr=off}} over the Indian Ocean region, including both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal region. This enables the Navy to operate in a network-centric atmosphere having real-time networking of all its operational assets at sea and on land.<ref name="GSAT-7: India's Strategic Satellite"/>

On 15 June 2019 the navy placed an order for [[GSAT-7R]] satellite as a replacement for GSAT-7. The satellite costs Rs 1589 crores (US$225.5 million) and is expected to be launched by 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/navy-to-buy-rs-1589-crore-satellite-from-isro/articleshow/70283927.cms|title=Indian Navy: Navy to buy Rs 1,589 crore satellite from ISRO|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=18 July 2019 |access-date=28 December 2019 |last1=Pubby |first1=Manu }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-to-build-2nd-dedicated-satellite-for-navy-to-interlink-warships-aircraft/articleshow/70310935.cms|title=Isro to build 2nd dedicated satellite for Navy to interlink warships, aircraft - Times of India|website=The Times of India|date=21 July 2019 |language=en|access-date=28 December 2019}}</ref>

==Activities==
{{See also|List of Indian Naval Deployments}}

===Fleet reviews===
{{main|President's fleet review}}
[[File:President's_Standard_and_Color_unveliling_highlighting_India's_glorious_maritime_heritage.jpg|thumb|[[Droupadi Murmu|President of India]] taking salute unveiling Indian Navy's Standard and Color highlighting India's maritime heritage]]
The [[President of India]] is entitled to inspect his/her fleet, as he/she is the supreme commander of the [[Indian Armed Forces]]. The first president's fleet review by India was hosted by [[Rajendra Prasad]] on 10 October 1953. President's reviews usually take place once in the President's term. In all, twelve fleet reviews have taken place, including two International fleet reviews in 2011 and 2016. The latest fleet review was held in February 2022 at Visakhapatnam, by President [[Ram Nath Kovind]].<ref name="All you need to know about the Fleet Review being hosted by Indian Navy in Vizag">{{cite web|author1=Anil Chopra|title=All you need to know about the Fleet Review being hosted by Indian Navy in Vizag|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/standpoint-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-fleet-review-being-hosted-by-indian-navy-in-vizag-2174786|website=Indian Navy|access-date=23 July 2017|date=6 February 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731191939/http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/standpoint-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-fleet-review-being-hosted-by-indian-navy-in-vizag-2174786|archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref>

The Indian Navy also conducted an International fleet review named ''Bridges of Friendship'' in February 2001 in Mumbai. Many ships of friendly Navies from all around the world participated, including two from the US Navy.<ref name="Building Bridges of Friendship">{{cite web|author1=Cdr R Madhusoodanan|title=Building Bridges of Friendship|url=http://mod.nic.in/Samachar/mar6/html/aycom.htm|website=Ministry of Defence|access-date=23 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411040044/http://mod.nic.in/Samachar/mar6/html/aycom.htm|archive-date=11 April 2009}}</ref> The second international fleet review, the [[International Fleet Review 2016]], was held off Visakhapatnam coast in February 2016 where Indian Navy's focus was on improving diplomatic relations and military compatibility with other nations.<ref name="All you need to know about the Fleet Review being hosted by Indian Navy in Vizag"/>

===Naval exercises===
[[File:Milan 2024 Sailing together.jpg|thumb|''[[Milan (naval exercise)|Milan]]'' exercise 2024 grows in size with 50 foreign countries participating<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-02-19 |title=India hosts Milan naval exercise; around 50 countries participating |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-hosts-milan-naval-exercise-around-50-countries-participating/articleshow/107829707.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-02-28 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> from 4 in 1995<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-04 |title=From 4 to 39 Navies: How Milan Soared Over the Years, What It Means for the Indian Navy |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/from-4-to-39-navies-how-milan-soared-over-the-years-what-it-means-for-the-indian-navy-4833716.html |access-date=2022-04-07 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref>]]

India often conducts naval exercises (like [[Maritime Partnership Exercise]]) with other friendly countries designed to increase naval cooperation and also to strengthen cooperative security relationship. Some such exercises take place annually or biennially:

{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center;" |Exercise
! style="text-align:center;" |Navy/Navies
! style="text-align: center;" |First Edition
! style="text-align:l center;" |Last Edition
! style="text-align:left;" |Total Editions
! style="text-align: center;" |Notes/ References
|-
| [[Milan (naval exercise)|Milan]]
|Multilateral
| 1995
| 2024
|12
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-21 |title=Indian Navy showcases power |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/milan-2024-war-exercise-including-50-navies-kicks-off-in-vizag/photostory/107889285.cms |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| [[Varuna (naval exercise)|Varuna]]
|[[French Navy]]
| 1993
|2023
| 21
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=21st EDITION OF INDIA FRANCE BILATERAL NAVAL EXERCISE 'VARUNA' – 2023 |url=https://pib.gov.in/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1891610?PRID=1891610 |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>
|-
| Konkan
|[[Royal Navy]]
| 2004
| 2023
|16
|<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-08-15|title=INS Tarkash participates in KONKAN bilateral exercise|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/ins-tarkash-participates-in-konkan-bilateral-exercise-119081500895_1.html|access-date=2020-11-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ANNUAL BILATERAL MARITIME EXERCISE KONKAN 2023 |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1909937 |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>
|-
|[[INDRA (naval exercise)|INDRA]]
|[[Russian Navy]]
| 2003
| 2021
|12
|<ref name="Indo – Russian Bilateral Naval Exercise ( Indra Navy – 2016)">{{cite web|date=13 December 2016|title=Indo – Russian Bilateral Naval Exercise ( Indra Navy – 2016)|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155297|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615071452/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155297|archive-date=15 June 2017|access-date=23 July 2017|website=Press Information Bureau|publisher=Ministry of Defence}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=4 September 2020|title=INDRA NAVY 2020: Indian, Russian navies begin naval exercise; guided missile destroyers, frigates in action|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/indra-navy-2020-indian-russian-navies-begin-naval-exercise-guided-missile-destroyers-frigates-in-action/647623|access-date=2020-11-28|website=Times Now|language=en}}</ref>
|-
| [[Exercise Malabar|MALABAR]]
|[[US Navy]], [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force|JMSDF]], [[Royal Australian Navy]] 
(Flag exercise of the [[Quadrilateral Security Dialogue|QUAD]] navies)
| 1992
| 2023
| 26
|<ref name="Exercise Malabar - 2016">{{cite web|title=Exercise Malabar – 2016|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/exercise-malabar-2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610131906/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/exercise-malabar-2016|archive-date=10 June 2017|access-date=23 July 2017|website=Indian Navy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=17 November 2020|title=Nimitz Strike Group Participates in Malabar with Australia, India and Japan|url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/2417181/nimitz-strike-group-participates-in-malabar-with-australia-india-japan/|access-date=2020-11-21|website=United States Navy|language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| [[SIMBEX]]
|[[Republic of Singapore Navy|Singapore Navy]]
|1994
|2021
| 28
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=28th EDITION OF SINGAPORE-INDIA MARITIME BILATERAL EXERCISE 'SIMBEX' |url=http://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1751973 |access-date=2021-09-07 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>
|-
| [[IBSAMAR]]
|[[Brazilian Navy]], [[South African Navy]]
| 2008
| 2022
| 7
|<ref>{{cite web |title=INDIAN NAVAL SHIP TARKASH REACHES SOUTH AFRICA FOR IBSAMAR VII |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1867069 |access-date=14 October 2022 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>
|-
|SITMEX
|[[Republic of Singapore Navy|Singapore Navy]], [[Royal Thai Navy|Thai Navy]]
|2019
|2021
|3
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=INDIAN NAVY PARTICIPATES IN INDIA, SINGAPORE AND THAILAND TRILATERAL MARITIME EXERCISE 'SITMEX' |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1772038 |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>
|-
|[[SLINEX]]
|[[Sri Lanka Navy]]
|2012
|2020
|8
|<ref name="SLINEX 15 - Sri Lanka-India Exercise">{{cite web|title=SLINEX 15 – Sri Lanka-India Exercise|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/slinex-15-sri-lanka-india-exercise|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801121221/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/slinex-15-sri-lanka-india-exercise|archive-date=1 August 2017|access-date=1 August 2017|website=Indian Navy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=19 October 2020|title=India and Sri Lanka begin their annual exercise SLINEX today|url=http://ddnews.gov.in/national/india-and-sri-lanka-begin-their-annual-exercise-slinex-today|access-date=2020-11-27|website=DD News}}</ref>
|-
|NASEEM-AL-BAHR
|[[Royal Navy of Oman|Oman Navy]]
|1993
|2022
|13
|<ref>{{Cite web |title='Naseem Al Bahr - 2022' {{!}} Indian Navy |url=https://indiannavy.nic.in/content/%E2%80%98naseem-al-bahr-2022%E2%80%99 |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Arora |first=Sumit |date=2022-11-22 |title=13th bilateral naval exercise Naseem Al Bahr-2022 |url=https://currentaffairs.adda247.com/13th-bilateral-naval-exercise-naseem-al-bahr-2022/ |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=adda247 |language=en-IN}}</ref>
|-
|AUSINDEX
|[[Australian Navy]]
|2015
|2023
|5
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=5TH EDITION OF AUSINDEX-23 AT SYDNEY |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1952521 |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>
|-
|JIMEX
|[[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force|JMSDF]]
|2012
|2023
|11
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=JAPAN INDIA MARITIME EXERCISE 2023 (JIMEX 23) |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1937586 |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>
|-
|ZA'IR-AL-BAHR
|[[Qatari Emiri Navy|Qatari Navy]]
|2019
|2021
|2
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arora |first=Sumit |date=2021-08-24 |title=2nd Indo-Qatari joint Naval Exercise "Zair-Al-Bahr" in Persian Gulf |url=https://currentaffairs.adda247.com/2nd-indo-qatari-joint-naval-exercise-zair-al-bahr-in-persian-gulf/ |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=adda247 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Joint Exercise Between the Qatari Emiri Navy and the Indian Navy Forces (The Roar of the Sea)|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/24699|access-date=2020-11-29|website=Indian Navy}}</ref>
|-
|SAMUDRA SHAKTI
|[[Indonesian Navy]]
|2018
|2023
|4
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=4th edition of Indo-Indonesia Bilateral Exercise Samudra Shakti-23 concluded in South China Sea {{!}} Indian Navy |url=https://indiannavy.nic.in/content/4th-edition-indo-indonesia-bilateral-exercise-samudra-shakti-23-concluded-south-china-sea |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref>
|-
|BONGOSAGAR
|[[Bangladesh Navy]]
|2019
|2023
|5
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=INDIA & BANGLADESH NAVIES UNDERTAKE CORPAT & EX-BONGOSAGAR |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1976149 |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>
|-
|Zayed Talwar
|[[United Arab Emirates Navy|UAE Navy]]
|2021
|2023
|2
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Navy holds bilateral naval drill 'Zayed Talwar' with UAE |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-navy-holds-bilateral-naval-drill-zayed-talwar-with-uae-2420168-2023-08-12 |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=India Today |date=12 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|Al-Mohed Al-Hindi
|[[Saudi Navy]]
|2021
|2023
|2
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=INDIA-SAUDI ARABIA BILATERAL MARITIME EXERCISE AL MOHED AL HINDI 23 |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1927721 |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>
|-
|[[Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement|AIKEYME]]
|[[Africa]]
|2025
|2025
|1
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Navy to participate in multilateral maritime exercise with African nations |url=https://ddnews.gov.in/en/indian-navy-to-participate-in-multilateral-maritime-exercise-with-african-nations/ |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=ddnews.gov.in}}</ref>
|}
[[File:INS Kamorta (P28) participating in the International Fleet Review 2022.jpg|thumb|left|[[INS Kamorta (P28)|INS ''Kamorta'']] in Japan for International fleet review]]
Coordinated patrols include: Indo–Thai CORPAT (28 editions),<ref>{{Cite web|title=28th Indo-Thai Corpat - Closing Ceremony|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/28th-indo-thai-corpat-closing-ceremony|access-date=2020-11-27|website=Indian Navy}}</ref> Indonesia–India CORPAT (33 editions),<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 March 2020|title=33rd Edition of India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (Ind-Indo Corpat) Commences at Port Blair|url=https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1569122#:~:text=The%20IND-INDO%20CORPAT%20Series,friendship%20between%20India%20and%20Indonesia.|access-date=2020-11-27|website=pib.gov.in}}</ref> IMCOR with Myanmar (8 editions).<ref>{{Cite web|date=21 May 2020|title=8th Indo – Myanmar Coordinated Patrol|url=http://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1572293|access-date=2020-11-27|website=pib.gov.in}}</ref> The Indian Navy conducted a naval exercise with the [[People's Liberation Army Navy]] in 2003,<ref name="Strategic Shift In Chinese Naval Strategy In Indian Ocean">{{cite web|author1=Vijay Sakhuja|title=Strategic Shift in Chinese Naval Strategy in Indian Ocean|url=http://www.ipcs.org/article/navy/strategic-shift-in-chinese-naval-strategy-in-indian-ocean-1899.html|website=Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies|access-date=23 July 2017|date=6 December 2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706032240/http://www.ipcs.org/article/navy/strategic-shift-in-chinese-naval-strategy-in-indian-ocean-1899.html|archive-date=6 July 2017}}</ref> and also sent ships to the South China Sea to participate in the fleet review.<ref name="India to take part in China's International Fleet Review">{{cite web|title=India to take part in China's International Fleet Review|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200903201879.htm|website=The Hindu|access-date=23 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101116043252/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200903201879.htm|archive-date=16 November 2010|date=20 March 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2005, [[Exercise TROPEX|TROPEX]] (Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercises) was held during which Indian Navy experimented the doctrine of influencing a land and air battle to support the [[Indian Army]] and the [[Indian Air Force]].<ref name="Annual Report 2006">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sqrfAAAAMAAJ&q=Exercise+TROPEX |title=Annual Report |publisher=Ministry of Defence |year=2006 |page=29}}</ref> TROPEX has been conducted annually every year with an exception to 2016.<ref name="Indian Navy Concludes Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX 2017)">{{cite web|title=Indian Navy Concludes Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX 2017)|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-navy-concludes-theatre-level-readiness-and-operational-exercise-tropex-2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801130749/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-navy-concludes-theatre-level-readiness-and-operational-exercise-tropex-2017|archive-date=1 August 2017|access-date=1 August 2017|website=Indian Navy}}</ref> In 2007, Indian Navy conducted naval exercises with [[Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force]] and U.S. Navy in the Pacific,<ref name="Indian Navy holds joint drills with top naval powers">{{cite web|author1=Anil K. Joseph|title=Indian Navy holds joint drills with top naval powers|url=http://tribuneindia.com/2007/20070417/main8.htm|website=The Tribune|access-date=23 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014181818/http://tribuneindia.com/2007/20070417/main8.htm|archive-date=14 October 2007|date=17 April 2007}}</ref> and also signed an agreement with Japan in October 2008 for joint naval patrolling in the Asia-Pacific region.<ref name="Eye on China, India and Japan ink security pact">{{cite web|author1=P Vaidyanathan Iyer|title=Eye on China, India and Japan ink security pact|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/eye-on-china--india-and-japan-ink-security-pact/376748|website=The Indian Express|access-date=23 July 2017|date=23 October 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107070526/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/eye-on-china--india-and-japan-ink-security-pact/376748|archive-date=7 January 2016}}</ref> In 2007, India conducted naval exercises with [[Vietnam]],<ref name="Two Indian naval ships dock in Sai Gon Port for 5-day visit">{{cite web|title=Two Indian naval ships dock in Sai Gon Port for 5-day visit|url=http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=03SOC090507|website=Vietnam News Service|access-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612171358/http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=03SOC090507|archive-date=12 June 2008|date=9 May 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Philippines,<ref name="India's Joint Naval Exercises in the ASEAN Region">{{cite web|author1=Anushree Bhattacharya|title=India's Joint Naval Exercises in the ASEAN Region|url=http://www.ipcs.org/article_details.php?articleNo=2345|website=Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies|access-date=1 August 2017|date=3 August 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801130450/http://www.ipcs.org/article_details.php?articleNo=2345|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> and [[New Zealand]].{{Sfn|Scott|2011|p=152}} In 2007, India and South Korea conducted an annual naval exercise,<ref name="India, S Korea to hold joint naval exercise">{{cite web|title=India, S Korea to hold joint naval exercise|url=http://outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?gid=73&id=477589|website=Outlook India|access-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014181310/http://outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?gid=73&id=477589|archive-date=14 October 2007|date=31 May 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> alongside India's participation in the South Korean International Fleet Review in 2008.<ref name="A year of determined pursuit of perfection for Navy fleet">{{cite news|title=A year of determined pursuit of perfection for Navy fleet|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/A-year-of-determined-pursuit-of-perfection-for-Navy-fleet/article15365774.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=1 August 2017|date=22 December 2008}}</ref> The first Atlantic Ocean deployment of the Indian Navy happened in 2009. During this deployment, the Indian Naval fleet conducted exercises with the French, German, Russian and British navies.<ref name="Navy war games with French, British in Atlantic next month">{{cite web|date=29 May 2009|title=Navy war games with French, British in Atlantic next month|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200905291971.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601104009/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200905291971.htm|archive-date=1 June 2009|access-date=1 August 2017|website=The Hindu}}</ref> Once in two years navies from the Indian Ocean region meet at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for the [[Milan (naval exercise)|Exercise MILAN]].<ref name="Milan 2014: Naval exercise off Andamans concludes">{{cite web|author1=Ekatha Ann John|date=10 February 2014|title=Milan 2014: Naval exercise off Andamans concludes|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Milan-2014-Naval-exercise-off-Andamans-concludes/articleshow/30149435.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907045654/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Milan-2014-Naval-exercise-off-Andamans-concludes/articleshow/30149435.cms|archive-date=7 September 2016|access-date=1 August 2017|website=The Times of India}}</ref> In 2021 India assisted in US-led [[United States Africa Command#Cutlass Express|Exercise Cutlass Express]] as a trainer.<ref>{{Cite web|date=29 July 2021|title=INS Talwar in exercise Cutlass Express-21 conduct of VBSS training by Indian Navy|url=https://pib.gov.in/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1740191|access-date=2022-02-16|website=|publisher=Press Information Bureau, Indian Navy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Cutlass Express|url=https://www.africom.mil/what-we-do/exercises/cutlass-express|access-date=2022-02-16|website=www.africom.mil|publisher=United States Africa Command}}</ref>
[[File:Indian Navy Destroyers sailing together.jpg|thumb| [[List of destroyer classes of the Indian Navy|Indian Navy's destroyers]] sailing in unison during Exercise Tropex 2025]]
In 2007 India held the first [[Indian Ocean Naval Symposium]] (IONS) with an objective to provide a forum for all the [[Littoral zone|littoral nations]] of the Indian Ocean to co-operate on mutually agreed areas for better security in the region.<ref name="PM calls on Indian Ocean navies to pool resources">{{cite web|title=PM calls on Indian Ocean navies to pool resources|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-calls-on-Indian-Ocean-navies-to-pool-resources/articleshow/2783774.cms?referral=PM|website=The Times of India|access-date=1 August 2017|date=15 February 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811073255/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-calls-on-Indian-Ocean-navies-to-pool-resources/articleshow/2783774.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=11 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM (IONS)">{{cite web|title=INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM (IONS)|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/ion.htm|website=Indian Navy|access-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210113448/http://indiannavy.nic.in/ion.htm|archive-date=10 February 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Since the past decade, Indian naval ships have made goodwill port calls to [[Israel]],<ref name="INDIAN NAVY SHIPS DOCK IN HAIFA PORT AHEAD OF HISTORICAL VISIT BY INDIAN PM">{{cite web|author1=ANNA AHRONHEIM|title=INDIAN NAVY SHIPS DOCK IN HAIFA PORT AHEAD OF HISTORICAL VISIT BY INDIAN PM|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Indian-Navy-ships-dock-in-Haifa-port-ahead-of-historical-visit-by-Indian-PM-490336|website=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=1 August 2017|date=10 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724173959/http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Indian-Navy-ships-dock-in-Haifa-port-ahead-of-historical-visit-by-Indian-PM-490336|archive-date=24 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="Indian Navy: INS Brahmaputra on Goodwill Visit to Israel">{{cite web|title=Indian Navy: INS Brahmaputra on Goodwill Visit to Israel|url=http://www.marinebuzz.com/2009/06/02/indian-navy-ins-brahmaputra-on-goodwill-visit-to-israel/|website=Marine Buzz|access-date=1 August 2017|date=2 June 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801114001/http://www.marinebuzz.com/2009/06/02/indian-navy-ins-brahmaputra-on-goodwill-visit-to-israel/|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> [[Turkey]],<ref name="INS Trikand visits Istanbul, Turkey">{{cite web|title=INS Trikand visits Istanbul, Turkey|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/ins-trikand-visits-istanbulturkey|website=Indian Navy|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801113610/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/ins-trikand-visits-istanbulturkey|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> [[Egypt]],<ref name="Indian Warships visit Alexandria, Egypt">{{cite web|title=Indian Warships visit Alexandria, Egypt|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-warships-visit-alexandria-egypt|website=Indian Navy|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801123030/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-warships-visit-alexandria-egypt|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> [[Greece]],<ref name="Indian Warships on Overseas Deployment: Visit Souda Bay, Greece">{{cite web|title=Indian Warships on Overseas Deployment: Visit Souda Bay, Greece|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=161108|website=Press Information Bureau|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=1 August 2017|date=18 April 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419101349/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=161108|archive-date=19 April 2017}}</ref> [[Thailand]],<ref name="Indian Naval Ships visit Phuket (Thailand)">{{cite web|title=Indian Naval Ships visit Phuket (Thailand)|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-naval-ships-visit-phuket-thailand|website=Indian Navy|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801130141/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-naval-ships-visit-phuket-thailand|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> [[Indonesia]],<ref name="Eastern Fleet Ships on Overseas Deployment to Indonesia">{{cite web|title=Eastern Fleet Ships on Overseas Deployment to Indonesia|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/eastern-fleet-ships-overseas-deployment-indonesia|website=Indian Navy|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801121824/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/eastern-fleet-ships-overseas-deployment-indonesia|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> Australia,<ref name="Naval Ships visit Freemantle (Perth), Australia">{{cite web|title=Naval Ships visit Freemantle (Perth), Australia|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/naval-ships-visit-freemantle-perth-australia|website=Indian Navy|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801122338/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/naval-ships-visit-freemantle-perth-australia|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> [[New Zealand]],<ref name="INS Sumitra visits Auckland, New Zealand for International Naval Review 2016">{{cite web|title=INS Sumitra visits Auckland, New Zealand for International Naval Review 2016|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/ins-sumitra-visits-auckland-new-zealand-international-naval-review-2016|website=Indian Navy|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801125836/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/ins-sumitra-visits-auckland-new-zealand-international-naval-review-2016|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> [[Tonga]],<ref name="India – Tonga Relations">{{cite web|title=India – Tonga Relations|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Tonga_15_01_2016.pdf|website=Ministry of External Affairs|publisher=Government of India|access-date=1 August 2017|date=15 January 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429070313/http://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Tonga_15_01_2016.pdf|archive-date=29 April 2016}}</ref> South Africa,<ref name="Western Fleet Ships visit South Africa">{{cite web|title=Western Fleet Ships visit South Africa|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/15546|website=Indian Navy|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801125934/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/node/15546|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> [[Kenya]],<ref name="Visit of Indian Warships to Mombasa, Kenya">{{cite web|title=Visit of Indian Warships to Mombasa, Kenya|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/visit-indian-warships-mombasa-kenya|website=Indian Navy|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801120236/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/visit-indian-warships-mombasa-kenya|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> [[Qatar]],<ref name="Warships on visit to Qatar">{{cite web|title=Warships on visit to Qatar|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/warships-visit-qatar|website=Indian Navy|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801130409/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/warships-visit-qatar|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> Oman,<ref name="Warships on visit to Oman">{{cite web|title=Warships on visit to Oman|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/warships-visit-oman|website=Indian Navy|access-date=1 August 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801122935/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/warships-visit-oman|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> [[United Arab Emirates]],<ref name="Indian Navy's Western fleet ships visit United Arab Emirates">{{cite web|title=Indian Navy's Western fleet ships visit United Arab Emirates|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-navy%E2%80%99s-western-fleet-ships-visit-united-arab-emirates|website=Indian Navy|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801125825/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-navy%E2%80%99s-western-fleet-ships-visit-united-arab-emirates|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> Bahrain,<ref name="Warships on visit to Bahrain">{{cite web|title=Warships on visit to Bahrain|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/warships-visit-bahrain|website=Indian Navy|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801121132/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/warships-visit-bahrain|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> Kuwait,<ref name="Warships on visit to Kuwait">{{cite web|title=Warships on visit to Kuwait|url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/warships-visit-kuwait|website=Indian Navy|access-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801124723/https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/warships-visit-kuwait|archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> and various other countries.

===Exploration===
[[File:NavikaSagarParikrama II with Tarini - Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa crossed Point Nemo.jpg|thumb|Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa crossed [[Point Nemo]] in {{ship|INSV|Tarini}}, during their [[Navika Sagar Parikrama II]] expedition]]
The Indian Navy regularly conducts adventure expeditions. The [[sailing ship]] and training vessel {{INS|Tarangini}} began circumnavigating the world on 23 January 2003, intending to foster good relations with various other nations; she returned to India in May 2004 after visiting 36 ports in 18 nations.<ref name="INS Tarangini">{{cite web|title=INS Tarangini|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/tarangani_home.htm|website=Indian Navy|access-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901095009/http://indiannavy.nic.in/tarangani_home.htm|archive-date=1 September 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Lt. Cdr. [[M. S. Kohli]] led the Indian Navy's first successful expedition to [[Mount Everest]] in 1965;<ref name="Indian Navy's second Mt Everest expedition flagged off">{{cite web|title=Indian Navy's second Mt Everest expedition flagged off|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-indian-navy-s-second-mt-everest-expedition-flagged-off-2365502|website=Daily News and Analysis|publisher=Diligent Media Corporation Ltd.|access-date=1 August 2017|date=23 March 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802072348/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-indian-navy-s-second-mt-everest-expedition-flagged-off-2365502|archive-date=2 August 2017}}</ref> the Navy's ensign was again flown atop Everest on 19 May 2004 by a similar expedition. Another Navy team also successfully scaled Everest from the north face, a technically more challenging route.<ref name="Indian Navy on top of the world">{{cite web|title=Indian Navy on top of the world|url=http://www.chennaionline.com/columns/variety/05navy.asp|website=Chennai Online|publisher=Chennai Interactive Business Services|access-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611154057/http://www.chennaionline.com/columns/variety/05navy.asp|archive-date=11 June 2008}}</ref> The expedition was led by Cdr Satyabrata Dam of the submarine arm. Cdr. Dam is a mountaineer of international repute and has climbed many mountains including the [[Patagonia]]s, the [[Alps]] among others.<ref name="Indian Navy's Mt. Everest Team sets many new records: From the deep blue seas to the highest peaks Indian naval team does it all">{{cite web|title=Indian Navy's Mt. Everest Team sets many new records: From the deep blue seas to the highest peaks Indian naval team does it all|url=http://www.everestnews2004.com/everest2004/indiaeverestdis4.htm|website=Everest News|access-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060821003030/http://www.everestnews2004.com/everest2004/indiaeverestdis4.htm|archive-date=21 August 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2017, to commemorate 50 years of the Navy's first expedition in 1965, a team set off to climb Mount Everest.<ref name="Indian Navy's second Mt Everest expedition flagged off"/>

An Indian Navy team comprising 11 members successfully completed an expedition to the Arctic pole. To prepare, they first traveled to [[Iceland]], where they attempted to summit a peak.<ref name="Indian Navy Team in Iceland">{{cite web|title=Indian Navy Team in Iceland|url=http://www.iceland.org./in/the-embassy/news-and-events/nr/2929|website=Embassy of Iceland – New Delhi, India|access-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203003017/http://www.iceland.org./in/the-embassy/news-and-events/nr/2929|archive-date=3 December 2008|date=25 August 2006}}</ref> The team next flew to eastern [[Greenland]]; in the [[Kulusuk]] and [[Angmassalik]] areas, they used [[Inuit]] boats to navigate the region's ice-choked [[fjord]]s. They crossed northward across the [[Arctic Circle]], reaching seventy degrees North on skis. The team scaled an unnamed peak of height {{convert|11000|ft|m}} and named it ''Indian Peak''.<ref name="An Indian Navy team is just back from an arduous ski expedition in Greenland">{{cite web|title=An Indian Navy team is just back from an arduous ski expedition in Greenland|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2006/08/19/stories/2006081902510100.htm|website=The Hindu|access-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101029075128/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2006/08/19/stories/2006081902510100.htm|archive-date=29 October 2010|url-status=usurped|date=19 August 2006}}</ref>

The Indian Naval ensign first flew in [[Antarctica]] in 1981.<ref name="Indian Navy Timeline">{{cite web|title=Indian Navy Timeline|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Timeline.html|website=Bharat Rakshak|access-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206031712/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Timeline.html|archive-date=6 February 2007}}</ref> The Indian Navy succeeded in Mission Dakshin Dhruv 2006 by traversing to the [[South Pole]] on skis. With this historic expedition, they have set the record for being the first military team to have successfully completed a ski traverse to the Geographic South Pole.<ref name="Navy team becomes first military unit to ski to South Pole">{{cite web|title=Navy team becomes first military unit to ski to South Pole|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200701312174.htm|website=The Hindu|access-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611211229/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200701312174.htm|archive-date=11 June 2008|date=31 January 2007}}</ref> Also, three of the ten member team—the expedition leader—Cdr. Satyabrata Dam, leading medical assistants Rakesh Kumar and Vikas Kumar are now among the few people in the world to have visited the two poles and summited Mt. Everest.<ref name="From the Ocean Depths to The Top of the World">{{cite web|title=India Navy North Side Everest 2004 Expedition: From the Ocean Depths to The Top of the World|website=Everest News|access-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061112071704/http://www.everestnews2004.com/everest2004/indiaeverestdis2-2004.htm|archive-date=12 November 2006|date=13 May 2004|url=http://www.everestnews2004.com/everest2004/indiaeverestdis2-2004.htm}}</ref> Indian Navy became the first organisation to reach the poles and Mt. Everest. Cdr. [[Dilip Donde]] completed the first solo circumnavigation by an Indian citizen on 22 May 2010.<ref name="Dilip Donde completes first solo circumnavigation for India">{{cite web|author1=Nancy Knudsen|title=Dilip Donde completes first solo circumnavigation for India|url=http://www.sail-world.com/NZ/Dilip-Donde-completes-first-solo-circumnavigation-for-India/69842|website=Sail World|access-date=1 August 2017|date=23 May 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910075712/http://www.sail-world.com/NZ/Dilip-Donde-completes-first-solo-circumnavigation-for-India/69842|archive-date=10 September 2012}}</ref> Cdr. [[Abhilash Tomy]] became the first Indian to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the world on a sailboat not fitted with any technology or navigational aids.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who is Indian Navy Commander Abhilash Tomy? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/who-is-what-is/story/who-is-naval-commander-abhilash-tomy-1347440-2018-09-24 |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=India Today |date=24 September 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-27 |title=Qayamat se Bayanat Tak — The Abhilash Tomy Story |url=https://kaypius.com/2023/04/27/qayamat-se-bayanat-tak-the-abhilash-tomy-story/ |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=Kaypius |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[Navika Sagar Parikrama]] (lit. 'Sailors' Sea Circumambulation') was a circumnavigation of the globe by female officers of the Indian Navy. The six-member all-woman team circumnavigated and managed the whole operation in their first-ever global journey, with their ship {{ship|INSV|Tarini}} that lasted 254 days.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-08-21 |title=All about Navika Sagar Parikrama: Indian Navy's all-women team |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/navika-sagar-parikrama-indian-navy-women-1030594-2017-08-21 |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> [[Navika Sagar Parikrama II]] is led by two women officers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-23 |title=Two women Navy officers to embark on circumnavigation mission on October 2 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/navika-sagar-parikrama-ii-indian-navys-historic-circumnavigation-mission-2605256-2024-09-23 |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

==Future of the Indian Navy==
{{Main|Future of the Indian Navy}}
[[File:Indian Navy's HAL TEDBF.jpg|thumb|left|[[HAL TEDBF]] will replace the MiG-29Ks in service.]]
By the end of the 14th Plan (2020), the Indian Navy was expected to have over 150 ships and close to 500 aircraft. In addition to the existing mission of securing both sea flanks in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, the navy was tasked with responding to emergencies far away from the Indian mainland. Marine assault capabilities were to be enhanced by setting up a new amphibious warfare facility at [[Kakinada]], Andhra Pradesh.<ref name="Brand new Indian Navy with long legs by 2027: Admiral Verma">{{cite web|title=Brand new Indian Navy with long legs by 2027: Admiral Verma|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/brand-new-indian-navy-with-long-legs-by-2027-verma/208124-3.html|website=IBN Live|publisher=Cable News Network|access-date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206042512/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/brand-new-indian-navy-with-long-legs-by-2027-verma/208124-3.html|archive-date=6 December 2011|date=3 December 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Since then, the Indian Navy has initiated Phase II expansion of [[INS Kadamba]], its third largest naval base, near [[Karwar]]. Phase II will involve expansion of the berthing facilities to accommodate 40–45 more front-line warships, including the aircraft carrier INS ''Vikramaditya'', raise manpower to 300 officers and around 2,500 sailors, and build a naval air station with a 6,000-foot runway. This is to be followed by Phase IIA and IIB, at the end of which INS Kadamba will be able to base 50 front-line warships.<ref name="Project Seabird II will generate more employment: Admiral">{{cite web|title=Project Seabird II will generate more employment: Admiral|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/Project-Seabird-II-will-generate-more-employment-Admiral/articleshow/55779430.cms|website=The Times of India|access-date=2 August 2017|location=Hubli|date=4 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811190516/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/Project-Seabird-II-will-generate-more-employment-Admiral/articleshow/55779430.cms|archive-date=11 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="INS Kadamba Naval Base, India">{{cite web|title=INS Kadamba Naval Base, India|url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/inskadambanavalbase/|website=Naval Technology|publisher=Kable Intelligence Limited|access-date=2 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815060646/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/inskadambanavalbase|archive-date=15 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="Now, India has the Largest Naval Base East of the Suez Canal">{{cite web|author1=Sudhi Ranjan Sen|title=Now, India has the Largest Naval Base East of the Suez Canal|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/now-on-indias-west-coast-the-largest-naval-base-east-of-the-suez-canal-1215952|website=NDTV|access-date=2 August 2017|date=10 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803004931/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/now-on-indias-west-coast-the-largest-naval-base-east-of-the-suez-canal-1215952|archive-date=3 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="Seabird phase II work will start by 2016: Naval officer">{{cite web|title=Seabird phase II work will start by 2016: Naval officer|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/515693/seabird-phase-ii-work-start.html|website=Deccan Herald|publisher=The Printers (Mysore) Private Ltd.|access-date=2 August 2017|location=Karwar|date=5 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304213930/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/515693/seabird-phase-ii-work-start.html|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> The Indian Navy is also in the process of constructing a new naval base, [[INS Varsha]], at [[Rambilli]] for its [[Arihant-class submarine|Arihant class]] submarines.<ref name="India's Undersea Deterrent">{{cite web|author1=Saurav Jha|title=India's Undersea Deterrent|url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/03/indias-undersea-deterrent/|website=The Diplomat|date=30 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408081504/https://thediplomat.com/2016/03/indias-undersea-deterrent/|archive-date=8 April 2016}}</ref>
[[File:Hypersonic LRASHM.jpg|thumb|alt=Hypersonic missile|[[Hypersonic weapon|Hypersonic]] [[Long Range – Anti Ship Missile (India)|LRAShM]] undergoing tests|278x278px]]
India's planned second aircraft carrier, [[INS Vishal- Vikrant class aircraft carrier|INS ''Vishal'']] (formerly known as ''Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-II''), will displace around 65,000 tonnes and is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy in the mid-2030s. With the future delivery of ''Vishal'', the Navy's goal to have three aircraft carriers in service, with two fully operational carriers and a third in refit, will be achieved.<ref name="Confirmed: India's Next Aircraft Carrier Will Be Nuclear">{{cite web|author1=Franz-Stefan Gady|title=Confirmed: India's Next Aircraft Carrier Will Be Nuclear|url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/11/confirmed-indias-next-aircraft-carrier-will-be-nuclear/|website=The Diplomat|access-date=3 August 2017|date=9 November 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804012810/https://thediplomat.com/2016/11/confirmed-indias-next-aircraft-carrier-will-be-nuclear/|archive-date=4 August 2017}}</ref><ref name = "HBL">{{Cite news|title = Navy's long-term plan is to have three aircraft carriers, says Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh|url = https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/indian-navys-long-term-plan-is-to-have-three-aircraft-carriers-navy-chief-admiral-karambir-singh/article30147141.ece|date = 3 December 2019|access-date = 4 December 2019|newspaper = [[Business Line]]}}</ref>

In November 2011, the ''Defence Acquisition Council'' launched the [[Indian Navy Multi-Role Support Vessel programme|Multi-Role Support Vessel]]. The Indian Navy has subsequently sent out an international RFP for up to 2 large [[landing helicopter dock]]s. The contenders are expected to tie up with local shipyards for construction of the ships.<ref name="Government gives green signal to build worth over Rs 20,000 crore">{{cite web|title=Government gives green signal to build worth over Rs 20,000 crore|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-gives-green-signal-to-mega-naval-project-worth-over-rs-20000-crore/articleshow/58775978.cms|website=The Economic Times|publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.|access-date=3 August 2017|date=21 May 2017}}</ref>

In addition to aircraft carriers and large amphibious assault ships, the Indian Navy is acquiring numerous surface combatants such as the {{sclass2|Project 17A|frigate|0}}<ref name="MoD gives nod to 7 stealth frigates worth Rs 13,000 crore">{{cite web|title=MoD gives nod to 7 stealth frigates worth Rs 13,000 crore|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/MoD-gives-nod-to-7-stealth-frigates-worth-Rs-13000-crore/articleshow/51367348.cms|website=The Times of India|access-date=3 August 2017|date=12 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423020457/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/MoD-gives-nod-to-7-stealth-frigates-worth-Rs-13000-crore/articleshow/51367348.cms|archive-date=23 April 2016}}</ref> and {{sclass|Talwar|frigate|0}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pandit |first1=Rajat |title=India, Russia ink $500 million deal for construction of two guided-missile stealth frigates - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-russia-ink-deal-for-construction-of-two-guided-missile-stealth-frigates/articleshow/66711542.cms |work=The Times of India |date=20 November 2018}}</ref> frigates, [[GRSE Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft|ASW shallow water corvettes]],<ref name="MoD clears Navy plans to get 16 shallow-water anti-sub vessels">{{cite web|author1=K. V. Prasad|title=MoD clears Navy plans to get 16 shallow-water anti-sub vessels|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20131226/main5.htm|website=The Tribune|access-date=4 August 2017|location=New Delhi|date=25 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213160019/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20131226/main5.htm|archive-date=13 December 2016}}</ref> [[Next Generation Missile Vessels|ASuW corvettes]],<ref>{{cite web|title=India Issues RFI for Next Generation Missile Vessel|url=http://www.forecastinternational.com/news/index.cfm?l3=30103&recno=230309|website=Forecast International|access-date=4 August 2017|date=11 February 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805014810/http://www.forecastinternational.com/news/index.cfm?l3=30103&recno=230309|archive-date=5 August 2017}}</ref> and [[Future Indian minehunter class|MCM vessels]].<ref name="India may ink Rs 32,000-cr deal for building minesweepers next month">{{cite web|author1=Rahul Singh|title=India may ink Rs 32,000-cr deal for building minesweepers next month|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-may-ink-rs-32-000-cr-deal-for-building-minesweepers-next-month/story-anO5yAOoUzbPARwJHGYbbI.html|website=Hindustan Times|publisher=HT Media Limited|access-date=4 August 2017|date=2 March 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804214948/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-may-ink-rs-32-000-cr-deal-for-building-minesweepers-next-month/story-anO5yAOoUzbPARwJHGYbbI.html|archive-date=4 August 2017}}</ref> It plans to build {{sclass|Project 18|destroyer|1}} and [[Project 17B-class frigate]]. New submarine classes under various stages of planning include the [[Project 75 Alpha]],<ref name="Indian Navy gears up to induct more submarines, warships in 2017">{{cite web|title=Indian Navy gears up to induct more submarines, warships in 2017|url=http://www.asianage.com/metros/mumbai/020117/indian-navy-gears-up-to-induct-more-submarines-warships-in-2017.html|website=The Asian Age|access-date=4 August 2017|location=Mumbai|date=2 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804215907/http://www.asianage.com/metros/mumbai/020117/indian-navy-gears-up-to-induct-more-submarines-warships-in-2017.html|archive-date=4 August 2017}}</ref> [[Project 75I-class submarine|Project 75I]],<ref name="India finally kick-starts 'mother of all underwater defence deals' after 10-year delay">{{cite web|author1=Rajat Pandit|title=India finally kick-starts 'mother of all underwater defence deals' after 10-year delay|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/59731896.cms|website=The Economic Times|access-date=4 August 2017|date=24 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729004019/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/59731896.cms|archive-date=29 July 2017}}</ref> and the nuclear-powered {{sclass|Arihant|submarine|4}}.<ref name="Indian Navy Soon To Be The Most Formidable Submarine Force On The Planet! Here's What You Need To Know">{{cite web|author1=Abhishek Saxena|title=Indian Navy Soon To Be The Most Formidable Submarine Force on the Planet! Here's What You Need To Know|url=http://www.indiatimes.com/technology/news/indian-navy-soon-to-be-the-most-formidable-submarine-force-on-the-planet-heres-what-you-need-to-know-232694.html|website=Indiatimes|publisher=Times Internet Limited|access-date=4 August 2017|date=15 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805015105/http://www.indiatimes.com/technology/news/indian-navy-soon-to-be-the-most-formidable-submarine-force-on-the-planet-heres-what-you-need-to-know-232694.html|archive-date=5 August 2017}}</ref> New auxiliary ships include; five replenishment oilers, a Missile Range Instrumentation Ship (MRIS) and an Ocean Surveillance Ship.<ref name="Defence projects worth Rs. 21,000 crore cleared">{{cite news|title=Defence projects worth Rs. 21,000 crore cleared|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/defence-projects-worth-rs-21000-crore-cleared/article6229070.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=4 August 2017|date=19 July 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828013553/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/defence-projects-worth-rs-21000-crore-cleared/article6229070.ece|archive-date=28 August 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Matangi ASV Transit.webm|thumb|left|Matangi ASV on autonomous transit]]
In 2024, Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd demonstrated 850 nautical mile autonomous transit of, Matangi Autonomous Surface Vessel to the Indian Navy. The autonomous transit began from Mumbai and ended at Toothukudi. This demonstration was part of Indian Navy's Swavalamban 2024 self reliance in technology contest to enable the development of autonomous vessels for various military applications.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-08 |title=Autonomous surface vessel completes 1,500-km voyage from Mumbai to Thoothukudi - India Shipping News |url=https://indiashippingnews.com/autonomous-surface-vessel-completes-1500-km-voyage-from-mumbai-to-thoothukudi/ |access-date=2024-11-12 |language=en-US}}</ref> These boats are equipped with 12.7mm SRCG gun and is capable of day and night patrolling with speed above 50 knots. 12 such autonomous boats are to be acquired by the Indian Navy and will also be used to patrol Pangong Tso lake. The Indian Navy is also acquiring 30 autonomous underwater vehicles.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-05 |title=Pune company to provide forces with 12 unmanned weaponised boats for coast, Pangong lake surveillance |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pune-company-to-provide-forces-with-12-unmanned-weaponised-boats-for-coast-pangong-lake-surveillance/articleshow/104168891.cms |access-date=2024-11-12 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The Indian Navy is planning to procure 22 General Atomics [[Sea Guardian]] drones at an estimated cost of $2 billion.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/drone-sale-to-india-would-cement-bilateral-ties-with-us/articleshow/60128973.cms|title='Drone sale to India would cement bilateral ties with US' - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=31 October 2017}}</ref> This is the first instance of General Atomics drones being sold to a non-[[NATO]] military.<ref name=":0" />

==Indian Naval Ensign==
{{Main|Indian Naval Ensign}}

[[File:Seal of Shivaji.jpg|thumb|210px|The ''rajmudra'' ([[Seal (emblem)|seal]]) used by [[Shivaji|Shivaji I]].]]

The Indian Navy from 1950 to 2001 used a modified version of the British White Ensign, with the Union flag replaced with the Indian Tricolour in the canton. In 2001, this flag was replaced with a white ensign bearing the Indian Navy crest, as the previous ensign was thought to reflect India's colonial past.<ref name="Indian Navy to change its ensign">{{cite web|title=Indian Navy to change its ensign|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/apr/23navy.htm|website=Rediff|access-date=4 August 2017|date=24 April 2004|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819153640/http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/apr/23navy.htm|archive-date=19 August 2016}}</ref> However complaints arose that the new ensign was indistinguishable as the blue of the naval crest easily merged with the sky and the ocean. Hence in 2004, the ensign was changed back to the [[St. George's cross]] design, with the addition of the emblem of India in the intersection of the cross. In 2014, the ensign as well as the naval crest was further modified to include the [[Devanagari]] script: ''सत्यमेव जयते'' ([[Satyameva Jayate]]) which means 'Truth Alone Triumphs' in [[Sanskrit]].<ref name="Indian Navy to launch Satyameva Jayate credo with a new logo">{{cite web |author1=Gautum Datt |title=Indian Navy to finally include Satyameva Jayate below national emblem on its flag and crest |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/indian-navy-correct-anomaly-satyameva-jayate-pranab-mukherjee-aamir-khan-202857-2014-08-05 |website=India Today |access-date=2 January 2020 |date=5 August 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102155302/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/north/story/indian-navy-correct-anomaly-satyameva-jayate-pranab-mukherjee-aamir-khan-202857-2014-08-05 |archive-date=2 January 2020 }}</ref>

The traditional [[Crest (heraldry)|crest]] of Indian Navy ships is topped by a [[crown]] featuring three [[sailing ship]]s symbolising India's rich [[Indian maritime history|maritime history]]. The ribbon of the crown depicts the [[Ashoka Chakra]] surrounded by a [[horse]] and a [[bull]]. Each ship has a unique [[Motif (visual arts)|motif]] which is encircled by a ring of [[Nelumbo nucifera|lotus]] [[bud]]s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Indian Navy gets new deadly submarine! INS Vela gets commissioned |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/indian-navy-gets-new-deadly-submarine-ins-vela-gets-commissioned/2375891/ |website=The Financial Express |access-date=25 November 2021 |date=25 November 2021}}</ref>

In August 2022, the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's Office]] announced that the naval ensign featuring the [[Saint George's Cross]] would be irrevocably disposed of, in favour of a newer design derived from octagonal shaped imperial seal of [[Shivaji|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj]] and his [[Maratha Navy]] that would "do away with the colonial past" and reflect the "rich Indian maritime heritage".<ref name="New Ensign">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/indian-navy-to-change-its-ensign-4th%C2%A0change-since-1950-426867|title=Indian Navy to change its ensign; 4th change since 1950|website=www.tribuneindia.com|date=30 August 2022}}</ref> The new ensign is slated to be revealed by [[Prime Minister of India|prime minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] on 2 September 2022, coinciding with the commissioning ceremony of [[INS Vikrant (2013)|INS ''Vikrant'']], the Indian Navy's first indigenously built [[aircraft carrier]].<ref name="New Ensign"/> The new ensign retains much the design of the 2001-04 ensign with the national flag as the canton, but with the addition of an octagonal navy blue shield based on Shivaji's royal seal surrounding the heraldic arms in gold and the addition of the official motto of the Navy ''May the Lord of Waters Be Auspicious Unto Us'' (''Shaṁ No Varunaḥ'') in the Devanagari script.

== Documents ==
{{Infobox book series
| name = Indian Maritime Doctrine
| books = 2004, 2009, 2014
| author = Maritime Doctrines and Concepts Centre (MDCC)
| publisher = [[Integrated Defence Staff|Integrated Headquarters]], Ministry of Defence (Navy)
| media_type = 
| number_of_books = 
| website = https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/indian-maritime-doctrine-2015-version
| italic title = no
}}

The Indian Maritime Doctrine is a foundational primer document of the Indian Navy. Three editions have been published in 2004, 2009 and 2014. It has to be considered along with other foundational documents such as the naval strategy ''Freedom to Use the Seas'' (2007) and the updated edition ''[[Ensuring Secure Seas: Indian Maritime Security Strategy|Ensuring Secure Seas]] (2015).''<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Łukaszuk|first=Tomasz|date=2020-12-31|others=University of Warsaw (Poland)|title=Indian and Australian Maritime Security Doctrines in the Indian Ocean Region in the 21st Century. Christian Bueger's Matrix of Maritime Security Approach|url=https://czasopisma.marszalek.com.pl/images/pliki/ppsy/49-4/ppsy2020407.pdf|journal=Polish Political Science Yearbook|volume=49|issue=4|page=113|doi=10.15804/ppsy2020407|doi-broken-date=3 December 2024 |s2cid=234432658}}</ref>

The 2004 edition (INBR 8) was published amidst a larger strategic overhaul in the country. It contains a large number of key words along with their definitions and grouped into a number of sections.<ref name=":02">{{Cite book|last=Jackson|first=Aaron P|date=2010|others=Papers in Australian Maritime Affairs, No. 33|title=Keystone Doctrine Development in Five Commonwealth Navies: A Comparative Perspective|url=https://www.navy.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/PIAMA33.pdf|pages=31–44|publisher=Sea Power Centre |isbn=978-0-642-29730-3|issn=1327-5658}}</ref> Select themes pervade throughout the document.<ref name=":02" /> Some themes are subtle such as the ongoing and future transition to a blue-water navy and others are louder such as the text related to nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers.<ref name=":02" /> There is justification and explanation for India's need for these transitions and acquisitions.<ref name=":02" /> The 2009 edition was updated to include counter-terror, counter-piracy and coordination with other navies in these aspects.<ref name=":02" />

==See also==

* [[Indian Coast Guard]]
* [[Indian Ocean Naval Symposium]]
* [[Information Management and Analysis Centre]] (IMAC)
* [[Naval ranks and insignia of India]]
* [[Integrated Defence Staff]], tri-services
* [[Exclusive economic zone of India]], protected by the Indian Navy
* [[List of ships of the Indian Navy]]
* [[List of equipment of the Indian Coast Guard]]
* [[List of Indian Naval accidents]]
* [[Indian Navy (football team)|Indian Navy Football Team]]

== Media ==
In the year 2009, the [[National Geographic Channel]] created and broadcast a documentary series on the Indian Navy. It was titled ''Mission Navy''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/nat-geo-joins-hands-with-indian-navy-for-nat-geo-mission-navylehron-ke-sartaj-32573.html|title=Nat Geo joins hands with Indian Navy for 'Nat Geo Mission Navy: Lehron ke Sartaj'|date=22 September 2008 |accessdate=31 July 2024}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

;Bibliography
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{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Indian Navy}}
* {{official website}}

{{Military of India}}
{{Indian Navy}}
{{Ship classes of the Indian Navy}}
{{Indian military academies and colleges}}
{{India topics}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Indian Navy| ]]
[[Category:Defence agencies of India]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1612]]
[[Category:Military history of the Indian Ocean]]