Indian Navy

India has a coastline of 7,516 km with a total of 1,197 island territories in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The Indian Navy, by virtue of its capability, strategic positioning and robust presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), has been a catalyst for peace, tranquility and stability in the IOR.

• The Indian Navy is the world’s fifth largest Navy.
• It has engaged with other maritime nations, extending a hand of friendship and cooperation. For smaller nations in our neighbourhood, as well as nations that depend on the waters of Indian Ocean for their trade and energy supplies, the Indian Navy ensures a measure of stability and tranquility in the region.
• The Navy has a Marine Commando force (MARCOS) which was raised for direct action amphibious warfare and counter terrorism.
• Indian Navy is headed by the Chief of the Naval Staff in the rank of Admiral at the Naval Headquarters, New Delhi. The Navy has three Commands - Western, Eastern and Southern with their Headquarters at Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Kochi respectively. Each command is headed by a Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the rank of Vice Admiral.
• The Western and the Eastern Commands are the operational Commands while the Southern Command is responsible for training.
• Indian Navy has two fleets, the Western and the Eastern Fleet comprising ships and aircrafts. Goa and Arakonam are the major naval air bases.
• In addition, Indian Navy also has air bases at Visakhapatnam, Port Blair and Car Nicobar. The major naval bases are located in the three Command Headquarters and other minor naval establishments are in Chennai, Kolkata, Chilka, Lonavala and Jamnagar.