India planning a 175-ship Navy fleet to counter China in Indian Ocean

(Credits :  Twitter)

New Delhi – The Indian Navy has 68 warships on order at the moment, which reportedly is worth around Rs 2 lakh crore. However, the Centre wants to increase India’s presence in the Indian Ocean region (IOR), and for that they will have to increase the strength of Navy fleet.

(Credits : Times of India)

The figures are dynamic. But the aim now is to have at least 175 warships — if not 200 — by 2035 for credible strategic reach, mobility and flexibility in the IOR and beyond. There will have to be a concomitant increase in the number of fighters, aircraft, helicopters and drones,” a source told the publication.

“China has inducted as many as 150 warships over the last 10 years. Projections show the PLAN may well reach 555 warships in another five-six years. Chinese aircraft carriers will also begin to operate in the IOR by then.”