Why India ranks as a major regional naval power

Which navy outside the United States and Europe has the strongest reach, and could India compete with China at sea?

India is the stronger choice once auxiliaries and reach are included, though a fight with China would depend heavily on location and support.

Japan is considered first when ranking the strongest fleet outside the United States and Europe, but India becomes the choice once auxiliaries and regional reach are weighed. This reflects more than front-line hull numbers because support ships determine how long a navy can operate away from home. In a later comparison with China, geography becomes decisive and placing the Indian fleet deep in the South China Sea appears unwise. India is nevertheless capable enough to make such an encounter competitive rather than being dismissed by fleet totals alone.