Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, underscored the Indian Navy’s readiness and strategic prowess during the sixth Admiral J G Nadkarni Memorial Lecture in Pune. Speaking on “Indian Navy: Navigating amidst the ongoing flux of geopolitics, technology, and tactics,” Admiral Tripathi highlighted the effectiveness of Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated the Navy’s constant readiness paradigm.
Admiral Tripathi emphasized that the presence of the carrier battle group in the Northern Arabian Sea exerted significant pressure on the Pakistan Navy, keeping them close to their coast or within harbours following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. This strategic maneuver underscored the Navy’s capability to protect India’s interests and deliver overwhelming force if necessary.
The Admiral delved into the evolving global maritime landscape, noting that the legal and normative frameworks regulating behavior at sea are under strain. States are increasingly testing the limits of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and relying on unilateral and informal practices to secure claims. This recalibration of UNCLOS, coupled with intensifying maritime competition, has created what analysts term the “defender’s dilemma.” Naval powers are often caught between escalating tensions, eroding credibility through inaction, or normalizing grey-zone competition through calibrated responses.
Admiral Tripathi also addressed the transformative impact of technology on maritime operations. He noted that the global market for autonomous naval vessels was valued at approximately $1.65 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at an annual rate of 10% until 2034. By 2040, about 11% to 17% of the global shipping fleet is expected to be autonomous, signaling a disruptive technological shift in the maritime domain. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming the backbone of these autonomous platforms, reshaping the character of conflict. The military AI market alone was valued at $9.3 billion in 2024 and is growing rapidly as states integrate AI-enabled autonomous targeting, decision aids, and predictive sensing into their operations.
Discussing the Indian Navy’s posturing, Admiral Tripathi asserted that combat readiness remains the core mission of the service. He highlighted the necessity for constant readiness, especially in the face of rapidly evolving threats. Operation Sindoor exemplified this readiness, with the Navy conducting multiple weapon firings within 96 hours of the Pahalgam attack, demonstrating aggressive maneuvering and strategic deployment. The Admiral emphasized that modern conflicts often occur without notice, necessitating a constant state of preparedness.
He also pointed out that threats once considered low-end have evolved in scale and sophistication. Non-state actors are now capable of unleashing violence and firepower previously associated only with state-level conflicts. This shift necessitates that all naval units be prepared for combat while also being ready for constabulary and benign roles at sea. Admiral Tripathi concluded by stressing that a notice to steam or motor is effectively a notice for combat, underscoring the Navy’s unwavering commitment to readiness and strategic deterrence.
The Admiral’s insights provide a compelling look into the evolving dynamics of maritime strategy, the impact of technological advancements, and the critical role of constant readiness in safeguarding national interests. As the maritime domain continues to transform, the Indian Navy’s proactive stance and strategic foresight will be pivotal in navigating the complexities of geopolitics, technology, and tactical innovation.