John Fedup
The Bunker Group
It would be a bad situation if things were to deteriorate to the stage where a naval blockade became necessary. Probably the best and most practical tool would be subs.
Indian Navy Discussions and Updates
- Thread starter dragonfire
- Start date
Your questions posed deserve far more comprehensive answers than I’m about to give but in short:
If I was an Indian strategic planner I would be boosting the submarine service as much as they can afford. Any access into the Indian Ocean by Chinese forces have to transit either through the myriad focal choke points to the Indonesian Archpelago which would provide rich pickings for Indian submarines. The alternative route for the PLA-N is around southern Australia which is not commercially viable for mercantile trade.
Step two would be to maximise the maritime strike capability by all the alternatives.
Unfortunately those efforts would detract from what seems To be India’s main concerns and that is a Chinese incursion through the Himalayas and a disproportionate allocation of resources is allocated to that threat.
Those are not the only options. There are other routes between Indonesian islands. But unless Indonesia supports the Chinese, the Indians would have plenty of warning & would know which way they'd be coming.
The Chinese could sail all the way round Australia, but that has its own problems.
Redlands18
Well-Known Member
Realistically the Chinese would have to neutralize Indonesia and or Australia either Diplomatically or Militarily to be able to launch such a operation.
John Fedup
The Bunker Group
Continuing with realism, it is unlikely most other major powers would be on the sidelines either. There would be a big diplomatic push to bring both to the negotiating table asap as the situation would go nuclear sooner than later.
First, IN/India cannot deny PLAN access to the Indian Ocean. It has no ownership over it. It's international water. Second, under current circumstances, PLAN essentially does not have a capacity to operate beyond its territorial waters, neither does IN. Third, PLAN has its hands full with countering US Navy and its allies in the South China Sea. Virtually entire naval and air power of China is concentrated in this area. Thus, India's sea lanes are quite secure. To perceive otherwise and then react to it could result in an unwanted outcome for India, i.e. China so far has shown no interest in large naval presence anywhere but may end up establishing its presence in South Asian waters because of India's possible premature reactions, especially if they come to see IN's growing presence near the Straits of Malaca and Sunda. In the end, India may not be able to sustain long-term sails in these Straits but China/PLAN may very well end up with a long-term presence at a friendly port in South Asia. Nothing big, but enough to worry India. I also doubt any of the ASEAN states would be willing to host IN against China. China also has bypass ports in Gwadar and Karachi, Pakistan. But if PLAN decides to undermine Indian trade through the Straits of Malaca and Sunda then India will be in a pickle, big time.
Any war in Himalaya (with China) will remain in Himalaya. It will be limited in scope and objectives. Neither side would want it to escalate beyond that. Outcomes of think-tank wargaming in South Asia are usually quite flawed. They always believe their 'reaction' to an enemy's 'action' is the end game. The end game may very well be much more costly and destructive.
Can you say more?
KrishnaDevRaya
New Member
This is a hypothetical situation about a serious war between India and China. Questions of ownership are open to interpretation when you're in the process of trying to kill uniformed personnel of the other guy. And china at this point is already moving towards the goal of maintaining a large naval presence in the Indian ocean including the South Asian region. I don't buy their excuse that all the new ports are for civilian purposes only. Especially when you look at Gwadar in Pakistan. I don't think a war in the Himalayas will only remain in the Himalayas.
KrishnaDevRaya
New Member
The Indian Navy Selects EMALS for Its New Carrier - Second Line of Defense
If this comes to fruition then India will be only one of two countries operating EMALS. That is unless China also figures out the tech.
If this comes to fruition then India will be only one of two countries operating EMALS. That is unless China also figures out the tech.
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KrishnaDevRaya
New Member
India Closer to Seal Nuclear Submarine Deal With Russia
5/12/18
A naval delegation returned from Russia after inspecting two Akula-1 SNNs, the Bratsk and the Samara. The delegation was led by Inspector General (Nuclear Safety) Vice Admiral Soonil V Bhokare, reported India Today.
Joint Secretary (Finance) was also included in the MoD discussing the lease of one of the submarines which reportedly is for USD 3.3 billion (Rs 23,000 crore).
Admiral Lanba also visited Russia for four days after the naval delegation where he reportedly discussed construction of conventional submarines in India and Chakra’s lease, reported India Today.
3.3 Billion for leasing a nuclear sub doesn't seem like a very good deal.
5/12/18
A naval delegation returned from Russia after inspecting two Akula-1 SNNs, the Bratsk and the Samara. The delegation was led by Inspector General (Nuclear Safety) Vice Admiral Soonil V Bhokare, reported India Today.
Joint Secretary (Finance) was also included in the MoD discussing the lease of one of the submarines which reportedly is for USD 3.3 billion (Rs 23,000 crore).
Admiral Lanba also visited Russia for four days after the naval delegation where he reportedly discussed construction of conventional submarines in India and Chakra’s lease, reported India Today.
3.3 Billion for leasing a nuclear sub doesn't seem like a very good deal.
That is a terrible deal. The Bratsk and Samara are getting up around 30 years old. I would run ... not walk away from that deal.
@KrishnaDevRaya It is a requirement that posters provide a comment about what they post, not just a straight cut and paste.
KrishnaDevRaya
New Member
For 3.3 billion dollars, they could have hired the French for design consultation for the construction of a new SSN. Paying this much for an old Akula class, and that too for a lease, not a purchase is terrible planning. Though one of the excuses for the price is that they have done extensive upgrades to the sub upon India's request.
It was bloody hot inside, and long long way from the fitout being completed.
China have EMALS testing now at the Huangdicun test facility, there next carrier will have it, that will be at sea long before India gets IAC2 anywhere near built.The Indian Navy Selects EMALS for Its New Carrier - Second Line of Defense
If this comes to fruition then India will be only one of two countries operating EMALS. That is unless China also figures out the tech.
KrishnaDevRaya
New Member
Probably right. One of only three countries then.
Just saw this on another website....
INS Vikramaditya: Naval officer dies in fire fighting efforts onboard aircraft carrier | India News - Times of India
Led from the front - Right time / right place / right training - helped save the ship from serious damage, but paid the ultimate price...
INS Vikramaditya: Naval officer dies in fire fighting efforts onboard aircraft carrier | India News - Times of India
Led from the front - Right time / right place / right training - helped save the ship from serious damage, but paid the ultimate price...
There are no flowers on a sailor’s grave
No lilies on an ocean wave
The only tribute is the seagulls sweep
And the tears upon a loved one’s cheek
Fear not for those who go down to the sea in ships
For as sunset draws near and dawn breaks afar
We remember those who have crossed the bar
Agreed.
I don’t think the Indian Navy can realistically present this option (to any Indian PM) of a naval blockade against China, that affects civilian shipping; and suggested by KrishnaDevRaya.
This week, a flotilla of 21 naval ships from 15 countries, including India and China are in Singapore for IMDEX Asia 2019. How many of these 14 countries will allow or passively support India, when it tries to implement a naval blockade in the Indian Ocean (which is in international waters)?
How is China modernizing its navy? | ChinaPower Project
Right now, China has the second most capable navy in Asia after Japan.
Broadsword: China's navy surpasses India's in both strength and doctrine
This rapid development and growth in tonnage has seen the PLA(N) surpassing the combined naval fleets of S. Koreans and the Indians in JUST one decade. The PLA(N) is building warships at an unprecedented rate. It now operates an aircraft carrier, 33 destroyers, 50 frigates, 41 corvettes, 109 missile boats and 75 submarines – a fleet three-to-five times the size of India’s. With its current ship building rate, it is only a matter of time (within the next 20 years) before the PLAN will not only surpass the JMSDF in ship tonnage and naval capability but also be a challenge for the USN - see above link on ChinaPower Project.