India, March 5 -- India's naval presence has grown significantly across the Indo-Pacific and the Persian Gulf, reflecting its ambitions to become a key player in regional security. With over 221 naval deployments spanning 18 countries in 2023-24, New Delhi has quietly positioned itself as a maritime power balancing security cooperation, strategic influence, and economic interests.

While China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and the Red Sea crisis have drawn global attention, India has systematically expanded its naval footprint-leveraging warships, strategic port calls, and military exercises to build alliances and protect trade routes. These deployments not only underscore India's military reach but also demonstrate its r...