NAVY

The Indian Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of India. The President of India serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), usually a four-star officer in the rank of admiral, commands the navy. The Indian Navy can trace its lineage back to the Royal Indian Navy, however the modern navy as it is known today was not officially created until 1947 after independence was gained from the United Kingdom. The 17th century Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosale is considered as the Father of Indian Navy.

Though the primary objective of the navy is to secure national maritime borders, India also uses its navy to enhance its international relations through joint exercises, port visits and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief. In recent years, the Indian Navy has undergone modernization to replace ageing equipment currently in service, this is often seen as part of "India's drive" to develop blue-water capabilities and enhance its position in the Indian Ocean region. As of 2013, the Indian Navy has a strength of 58,350 personnel and a large operational fleet consisting of; an aircraft carrier, an amphibious transport dock, eight guided missile destroyers, 15 frigates one nuclear attack submarine, 14 conventional submarines, 24 corvettes, 30 patrol vessels, 7mine countermeasure vessels and various auxiliary ships.

Mission Of The Indian Navy

The Indian Navy sees several principal roles for itself: In conjunction with other armed forces of the union, act to deter or defeat any threats or aggression against the territory, people or maritime interests of India, both in war and peace; Project influence in India's maritime area of interest, to further the nation’s political, economic and security objectives; In cooperation with the Indian Coast Guard, ensure good order and stability in India's maritime zones of responsibility. Provide maritime assistance (including disaster relief) in India's maritime neighbourhood. To play a key role as part of 'a pluralistic security order' for a better world.