The Chief of the Naval Staff has released the Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025 on the occasion of Indian Navy Day (4 December 2025), aligning India’s maritime capabilities with its long-term national security and strategic vision.
Indian Navy Day marks the success of Operation Trident (1971) during the Indo–Pak War, when the Indian Navy executed a surprise missile attack on Karachi harbour, crippling Pakistan’s naval operations.
Participating assets:
- INS Nipat, INS Nirghat, INS Veer – Vidyut-class missile boats
- Supported by INS Kiltan, INS Katchall and INS Poshak
📌 Indian Navy Day 2025 Theme:
“Combat Ready, Cohesive, Credible and Aatmanirbhar Force — safeguarding the seas for a Viksit, Samriddha Bharat.”
What is the Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025?
The Indian Maritime Doctrine (IMD-2025) is the apex guidance document of the Indian Navy that:
✔ Defines India’s maritime strategic principles
✔ Includes capability planning, force deployment & technology orientation
✔ Addresses the entire spectrum of maritime conflict
Originally published in 2004, the doctrine was updated in 2009, 2015, and now 2025, reflecting changing maritime dynamics and India’s growing Indo-Pacific role.
Key Highlights of IMD-2025
| Focus Area | Key Changes |
|---|---|
| Operational Spectrum | Recognises “no-war, no-peace” as a formal operational category — the dominant zone of modern maritime competition |
| Jointness & Theaterisation | Interoperability with Army & Air Force emphasised |
| Modern Warfare | Incorporates grey-zone, hybrid & irregular warfare |
| New Domains | Focus on space, cyber & cognitive warfare |
| Technology Adoption | Push for uncrewed platforms, autonomous systems & AI-based decision tools |
| Maritime Posture | Supports proactive presence in Indo-Pacific |
Strategic Significance of Indian Maritime Doctrine 2025
The doctrine strengthens maritime awareness and positions naval power as a key accelerator of:
- Viksit Bharat 2047
- Maritime economic growth & blue economy development
- Coastal infrastructure and trade security
- Indo-Pacific stability and regional cooperation
It aligns with major national programmes:
Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti, Maritime India Vision 2030, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 & MAHASAGAR
It also integrates upcoming Tri-Service doctrines such as:
- Special Forces Operations
- Airborne & Heliborne Operations
- Multi-Domain Operations
- India’s maritime roots trace back 4,000+ years (Harappans, Lothal shipyards)
- Indian navigators influenced Southeast Asia since 1st century CE
- Strong medieval naval powers: Cholas, Zamorins, Maratha Navy (Kanhoji Angre)
- European dominance began post-1498 (Portuguese → Dutch → British)
- Royal Indian Navy became Indian Navy after 26 January 1950
- Motto: “Sam No Varunah” — May Varuna be auspicious to us
- Elite Special Force: MARCOS
Exam-Oriented Facts
- Indian Navy Day – 4 December every year
- Operation Trident – 1971, attack on Karachi
- Indian Maritime Doctrine first issued – 2004
- Highlights recognition of no-war, no-peace zone
- Emphasises cyber, space & cognitive warfare
FAQs
It outlines India’s maritime strategy, force deployment, and capability development across peace, conflict, and grey-zone operations.
It supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat, enhances joint warfare preparedness, and strengthens India’s Indo-Pacific maritime posture.
Space, cyber and cognitive warfare, along with grey-zone and hybrid threats.
To commemorate Operation Trident and honour the Indian Navy’s contributions during the 1971 Indo–Pak War.
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