Operating on the high seas

The term blue-water navy is a colloquialism used to describe a maritime force capable of operating across the deep waters of open oceans. While what actually constitutes such a force remains undefined, there is a requirement for the ability to exercise sea control at wide ranges. In modern warfare blue-water navy implies self-contained force protection from sub-surface, surface and airborne threats and a sustainable logistic reach, allowing a persistent presence at range. Over the past decade, the Indian Navy has been constantly making rapid strides in this area.

Since the late 1990s India's attempt to strengthen its maritime status has gathered decisive pace. This all involves India's drive, seen in its 2006 Navy Day of "transforming itself from a 'brown water' coastal defense force to a formidable 'blue water' fleet." It reflects the Indian Navy's own 2003 slogan, and play on words, of Tacking to the Blue Waters.

Technically, a 'blue water' navy is taken as one able to operate over 200 miles (320 kilometres) from shore.

The INS Jalashwa, an addition to the Indian Navy was commissioned at the Norfolk, Virginia naval station on June 22, 2007. Formerly the U.S. Navy's amphibious transport dock USS Trenton (LPD-14), the Jalashwa dramatically enhanced the Indian navy's sealift and airlift capabilities.

Along with carrying 968 fully-equipped combat troops and their assault vehicles, the ship can function as a command and control platform during mishaps at sea like offshore oil installation fires and maritime air accidents. It will also provide the Indian navy the ability to conduct large-scale relief operations and humanitarian missions, such as those required in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami.

In 2004, the Indian government concluded a lease-purchase agreement for two Russian-built Akula-II attack submarines, the first nuclear-powered submarines to serve in the Indian Navy since a 1988-1992 trial of a Russian Charlie-class boat. The Akula-II is able to launch anti-ship missiles and advanced long-range, rocket-propelled torpedoes.

In addition, BrahMos Aerospace, the corporate joint venture between India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and NPOM, Russia's state-supported cruise missile and space technology design bureau, developed an anti-ship missile capable of being launched from surface ships, submarines and aircraft and with a tactical land-attack capability.

The BrahMos missile, believed to be the first supersonic anti-ship/land attack missile, was inducted into the Indian Defense forces in November 2006 after a series of successful flight trials. The Navy version was the first to be inducted in 2006.

The Indian Navy maintains a Carrier Battle Group around INS Viraat. India launched an SSBN INS Arihant in July 2008, to act as a nuclear deterrent at sea. India has two aircraft carriers under construction that are due to join the fleet in 2014.