Ajit Karn
In a speech at the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) titled “Vimarsh on National Security Challenges in the Maritime Domain,” he stated, “US-China rivalry is here to stay, and it won’t be a sprint, but a marathon. It has inevitably led to a naval arms race between the West and China comparable to the one between the Allies and Central Powers during World War I.”
The Navy chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar stated that the rivalry between the United States and China in the region has led to an arms race. “For example, China has introduced 148 warships over the past decade, which is roughly the size of the entire Indian navy, and the process continues,” he said.
“Consequently, this arms race has transformed our resource-rich region into a battleground for influence, markets, resources, and energy,” said Kumar.
The Navy chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar noted that rivalry has resulted in a scramble for space in the region, where many external powers seek entry.
“Many nations that do not belong to the region have released their Indo-Pacific strategies.” As a geostrategic reality, the Indo-Pacific is also accompanied by the return of great power competition, he said.
“Competition and cooperation simultaneously heighten the complexities of security. While much has been said about the ongoing conflict in Europe, the fact remains that despite extensive sanctions imposed by the West on Russia, the majority of Europe continues to receive Russian energy. This fact demonstrates that even during conflicts, it is unlikely for states to be completely devoid of mutual dependencies, as Kumar noted.
He also lauded the country’s accomplishment in building the ‘Made in India’ INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, noting that it contained a high proportion of indigenous equipment, including steel developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and local steel companies.
“I believe the maritime character of our nation is now shaping our overall perspective and is likely receiving the recognition it merits. The relationship between maritime security and India’s prosperity is likely becoming clearer to India’s government, policymakers, and populace. Thus, maritime India is on the rise, and the ebb and flow of time demand that we seize this opportunity to navigate these high seas,” said the Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar .
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In addition, he mentioned that only 41 of the 43 warships and submarines being constructed by the Navy are made in India.
