By: Lt Cdr Deepak Sharma
Every year on 04 December, India pauses to honour the men and women in Whites, who guard our seas; often far from our sight, yet never far from our nation’s heartbeat. We commemorate the Indian Navy’s daring Operation Trident in the 1971 War, when our forces struck Karachi harbour and showed the world what courage at sea looks like. Indian Navy Day is more than a ceremonial date; it is a reminder of how deeply the Navy is interwoven into our national security, economic vitality, and global identity. As we commemorate Navy Day 2025, it feels especially meaningful to reflect not just on past victories, but on how the Indian Navy is shaping the future of the Indian Ocean Region, and with it, India’s destiny.
India’s Strategic Position: A Nation at the Centre of the Indian Ocean
India sits like a keystone in the vast Indian Ocean astride one of the world’s most important maritime highways. Nearly $5 trillion worth of global trade passes through this region every year. For India specifically, over 90% of our trade by volume and approximately 70% by value is carried by sea. These aren’t just abstract numbers. They represent the energy that fuels our cities, the raw materials powering our industries, food and essentials to sustain our people and more importantly, the exports that carry the “Made in India” brand to the world. With such enormous economic stakes riding on the ocean, the Indian Navy doesn’t merely defend our shores—it safeguards our economic bloodstream.
Indian Navy: Guardian of Trade, Anchor of Stability
In the vastness of the Indian Ocean, threats do not always appear in the form of conventional enemies. Piracy, illegal trafficking, maritime terrorism, and hostile interference can choke trade routes and disrupt economies. This is where the Indian Navy’s commitment stands out. Be it anti-piracy patrols escorting merchant vessels in high-risk areas or mission-based deployments ensuring 24/7 presence across choke points like the Strait of Hormuz and the Malacca Strait or humanitarian assistance missions, the Navy has repeatedly proven why India is considered the Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean.
Championing a Rule-Based Order and Free Seas
The world’s maritime economy depends on the assurance that the seas will remain open, safe, and governed by international law. India’s vision, therefore, is clear; freedom of navigation, respect for UNCLOS and international maritime norms and open sea routes free from coercion and conflict. The Indian Navy’s presence reinforces this rule-based order, ensuring that no state or non-state actor disrupts the lifelines of global commerce.
SAGAR: Security And Growth for All in the Region
Guiding this maritime philosophy is the SAGAR doctrine,India’s vision for inclusive cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region is focused on collective security of the region in partnership with like-minded maritime neighbours, humanitarian aid and disaster relief in times of crisis, capacity building and training towards collective growth and shared prosperity. SAGAR is not merely a policy; it is the foundation of India’s maritime outlook, finding practical expression in the everyday operations of the Indian Navy.
IFC-IOR and IFC Singapore: Quiet Heroes Behind Maritime Safety
Today, maritime security is as much about information power as naval power. A big part of making this happen on ground (or should we say, on the waves) are hubs like the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram and its close collaboration with the IFC in Singapore. These aren’t flashy centres, yet, they are the eyes, ears and brains behind the naval operations. IFC-IOR fuses data from satellites, radars, and partner nations to create a real-time picture of what’s happening at sea – spotting suspicious vessels, warning about storms, or coordinating rescues. Linked with Singapore’s IFC, they share “white shipping” information (peaceful maritime traffic), disseminate alerts to mariners, and cue quick responses to threats. Whether it’s a fishing boat in distress or a potential piracy incident, these centres help coordinate operations across borders. The result? Safer merchant marine – those hardworking cargo ships and their crews that are truly the backbone of global and Indian economy.
The Growing Responsibility of the Indian Navy
As India rises in economic stature, its maritime responsibilities naturally expand.A stronger India means not just a larger share of global trade but also deeper strategic interests across the Indo-Pacific besides meeting expectations of our international partners and neighbours to ensure maritime safety. From supporting Sri Lanka during crises to aiding Maldives and Seychelles with maritime awareness, the Indian Navy has consistently stepped forward; not as a dominant power, but as a dependable partner. As the world becomes more dynamic than ever before, India is poised to play a prominent role in the Indian Ocean Region. The Navy’s role becomes even more central in this endeavour of contribution towards ensuring safe seas not just for India, but for the wider Indo-Pacific.
A Timeless Reminder
Perhaps the importance of the Navy is best captured in the words of Admiral Arun Prakash, former Chief of the Naval Staff: “The necessity of a navy… springs from the existence of peaceful shipping”.This simple truth resonates powerfully today as our nation’s prosperity sails on the shoulders of those who guard our oceans.
Celebrating Courage, Commitment, and Vision
On this Navy Day, we honour not only the operational brilliance of the Indian Navy, but also its quiet, steadfast contribution to India’s economic strength, regional stability, and global credibility. Let’s raise a toast (or a coconut water, if you’re on duty!) to our sailors. As we look toward a future of greater trade, deeper partnerships, and higher aspirations, one thing is certain; the Indian Navy will continue to be the shield that protects our seas and the anchor that steadies our rise.
