India has set an ambitious goal of expanding its navy to more than 200 warships over the next decade as it seeks to counter China's rapidly growing naval power and Pakistan's acquisition of advanced Chinese-built attack submarines.
The move reflects New Delhi's growing concern over strategic competition in the Indian Ocean, the South China Morning Post reports.
As part of the effort, India this month commissioned the stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri and the anti-submarine warfare ship INS Malvan, both built domestically.
The vessels have been presented as proof that New Delhi can expand its fleet while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, the Hong Kong daily said.
The INS Mahendragiri was designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders with 75 percent indigenous content.
