by Will M Prise

Created on: July 24, 2008

THE GROWING INDIAN NAVY

In 2004, India spend 5.7 billion on military equipment and much of that was allocated to the Indian navy. Because of this huge amount of expenditures, the world has taken notice of India. Neighbors are being outdone by the impressive size of its navy.

INDIAN OPPONENTS

Pakistan is the only apparent enemy of India, and their relations have amended recently. Yet, India has two other prospective enemies, Bangladesh and China. Neither of these are likely military opponents any time soon. Yet, the Indian army is certainly preparing for the future. Its purchase of one of the only aircraft carriers in Asia was an act of dominance to show its power and range on the water. The purchase of the aircraft carrier, the INS Viraat, and many supporting naval ships has allowed India to hold dominance as the largest naval power in the region.

INDIAN NAVAL FUTURE

Indian seems dedicated to soon become a blue-water' navy, one which can operate long-range and over the deepest waters, as opposed to a brown-water' or a green-water' navy. Brown' refers to very shallow-water navies. Green' refers to a navy that operates somewhere between brown' and blue.' India has certainly extricated itself from the brown-water' category and is approaching the upper end of green-water' naval power. India has certainly established its dominance regionally, yet it has a way to go to rival the naval power of England, Germany, or the United States.

REPLACEMENT OR EXPANSION?

Since India has no immediate need for national defense, its military grow appears expansionary. Indian seems resolute to command the high-seas in its region, yet India also seems to desire the ability to be a naval power on a world level. A potent navy alleviates the need for a huge army, for the navy can prevent a landing of troops. Because of the sheer volume of the recent expenditures the rest of the world can assume that India has more than replacement on its mind. The expenditures far exceeded what was necessary to replace elderly ships. India is aiming to become a world power and trying to lead its way through naval dominance. India does not have much of a problem on the ground because of its sheer numbers. Though it has this advantage, naval control and the ability to sail long range would put the nation on par with France, England, and Germany, if not eventually the United States.

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