At the annual Navy Day press conference, the Indian Navy Chief, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, addressed the increasingly intertwined military relationship between Pakistan and China, particularly regarding naval capabilities. He highlighted that a significant number of Pakistan Navy warships and submarines are being constructed with Chinese assistance, indicating China’s vested interest in bolstering Pakistan’s naval strength. “Many Pakistan Navy warships and submarines are being built with Chinese support, showing that China is interested in making Pakistan’s Navy stronger,” Admiral Tripathi stated.
He elaborated on Pakistan’s recent acquisition of eight new submarines, which he noted hold considerable combat potential, marking a notable change in the regional naval environment. However, there was an assurance from the Admiral that India remains vigilant about the capabilities of these submarines and is adapting its defense strategies in response. “That is why we are tweaking our concepts to be able to tackle all threats from our neighbors,” he explained.
Addressing what he termed a “surprising growth” in the Pakistan Navy, Admiral Tripathi noted the country’s aim to increase its naval fleet to 50 ships. He voiced concern over this military expansion, particularly when juxtaposed with Pakistan’s domestic resource allocations. “We are aware of the surprising growth of the Pakistan Navy which aims to become a 50-ship Navy. They have chosen weapons over the welfare of their people,” the Navy Chief remarked, underscoring the implications of prioritizing military enhancement over the welfare of the general populace.
As part of India’s own strengthening military capabilities, Admiral Tripathi provided updates on the nation’s nuclear submarine program. He confirmed a successful missile test from INS Arighaat, the country’s second nuclear-powered submarine. “India carried out a test of the missile and the launch was successful. The agencies concerned are examining the trajectory that the missile took and soon we will know the results,” he explained.
Additionally, he spoke about India’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arihant, which has been actively conducting deterrence patrols. “The INS Arihant has carried out many deterrence patrols and the second one just carried out a missile test and will do what it is supposed to do after that,” he added.
In terms of modernization efforts, Admiral Tripathi mentioned the advanced negotiations for acquiring Rafale Marine combat aircraft from France. He noted that this government-to-government deal is in its concluding stages and is set to be presented to India’s Cabinet Committee on Security imminently. “Rafale Marine is at an advanced stage of negotiations and is only one level short of taking it to the Cabinet Committee on Security. Since it is a government-to-government deal, it should not take much time,” he indicated.
The Admiral also shed light on regional security issues, particularly the tensions arising in the South China Sea. “India is concerned about South China Sea tensions,” he asserted, emphasizing the strategic importance of regional stability in the face of heightened military build-ups by neighboring countries.
