From the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean: How the Indian Navy Became a Crisis Partner, Reshaping Maritime Politics

New Delhi: Over the past decade, the Indian Navy has emerged as the most reliable and rapid first responder in the Indian Ocean region. Its role during natural disasters—such as the massive earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand in March 2025—demonstrated its operational efficiency and humanitarian commitment through missions like Operation Brahma and Operation Sagar Bandhu.

Naval Diplomacy in Action
Nearly 50 years ago, naval strategist Ken Booth outlined the concept of naval diplomacy as a blend of military strength, diplomacy, and policing. Today, the Indian Navy exemplifies this concept. From the icy waters of the northern Arabian Sea to the warm zones of the South China Sea, the Navy has become a “crisis companion,” promoting trust and collaboration amid rising regional maritime tensions.

While China continues to assert maritime dominance, the Indian Navy has chosen a path of engagement, dialogue, and confidence-building, earning recognition as both a security partner and a rapid-response force. This transformation rests on three key pillars:

1. Expanding maritime strategy from unilateral security to shared regional responsibility.
2. Deepening bilateral and multilateral naval cooperation through joint exercises, coordinated patrols, and combined surveillance.
3. Prioritizing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) as a strategic mission.

Extending Reach and Capability
In 2025 alone, the Indian Navy conducted over 18 bilateral exercises, 8 multilateral drills, 31 maritime partnership activities, 4 coordinated patrols (CORPAT), and 12 joint EEZ surveillance missions. Its vessels, including INS Delhi, Satpura, Kiltan, and Shakti, have visited ports in Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines—not just projecting combat capability but delivering India’s long-term commitment and trust.

Supporting Regional Navies
The Indian Navy has also strengthened the maritime capabilities of smaller regional navies, shifting India’s image from a “net security provider” to a collaborative partner. Initiatives such as establishing the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Sri Lanka and transferring vessels to Vietnam and Mozambique exemplify efforts to enhance regional maritime security.

Rapid Humanitarian Response
The Indian Navy has consistently demonstrated speed and efficiency in humanitarian missions. During the 2025 Myanmar and Thailand earthquakes, relief teams, medical units, and engineering assistance reached affected areas within hours. Cyclones in Sri Lanka, crises in the Maldives, and emergency rescues—including saving a Pakistani sailor near Oman—reflect the Navy’s impartial approach to assistance.

In June 2025, the Navy conducted a daring aerial rescue of Chinese citizens from the MV Wan Hai 503 near the Kerala coast amid severe fire and rough seas, earning official gratitude from China.

Strategic Command and Collaboration
To streamline operations, the Indian Navy established the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram in 2018. IFC-IOR serves as a regional maritime security hub, coordinating with 57 maritime organizations and hosting liaison officers from 15 countries. The INS Kirch mission, executed via this unique ecosystem, underscores India’s ability to conduct precise, rapid interventions.

High-Level Exercises with Global Powers
The Indian Navy’s operational excellence is further demonstrated through high-level exercises: Varuna with France’s Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group off Goa, INDRA with Russia, and participation of INS Imphal in Mauritius’ National Day celebrations. These exercises reflect India’s multi-polar diplomacy, demonstrating that maritime power today is won through trust and cooperation as much as through firepower.

Conclusion
The Indian Navy’s decade-long evolution has made it an indispensable crisis partner in the Indian Ocean and beyond, reshaping regional maritime politics and exemplifying “soft power” at sea. Its commitment to humanitarian assistance, collaborative security, and strategic partnerships highlights India’s growing influence on global maritime diplomacy.