As highlighted by TNIE earlier, the Indian Navy's focus on anti-submarine warfare is conspicuous with its planned induction of 16 ASW-SWCs, six P-8I Poseidon and more UAVs and drones for this purpose.

This follows the worries aired by the force regarding its underwater capabilities. The worry remains that over the years, Pakistan and China have been adding strength to their capabilities, including the underwater. Importantly, in August, Pakistan inducted its third of the eight Chinese manufactured modern Hangor Class submarines which is Air Independent Propulsion equipped.

Meanwhile, the Indian Navy is concerned that its platforms are reaching obsolescence; therefore, the new additions should not only replace the older ones but also increase the overall numbers.

The Chinese PLA Navy, with over 360 warships and submarines, has become the largest navy in the world, with an increased presence in maritime bodies around the globe, including the Indian Ocean, while the Indian Navy's total fleet strength is over 130.

Talking specifically about the next generation guided missile destroyers planned to be constructed in future, Admiral Vatsayan said "We have worked out a good design and hope to receive the AON (acceptance of necessity) approval from the government in this financial year and award the contracts within the next two years." The warships will be one of the most advanced so far.

The Indian Navy's submarine's underwater fighting capabilities, even after the addition of six indigenously manufactured Scorpene-class submarines, are plagued by obsolete boats (submarines). Although new boats have been added and new projects are in the pipeline, the Navy's submarine arm has been plagued by obsolescence and is operating 12 vintage submarines.

Mentioning Operation Sindoor, Admiral Vatsayan brought out that "The Indian Navy has converted some of the lessons learned during Operation Sindoor into challenges to present to the industry and start-ups for bolstering operational capabilities," as part of the event Swavlamban.