Indian naval capability and shipping-lane dependence

India's position across major shipping routes and its dependence on those routes support the case for increasing ship capability. Two long coastlines and trade through critical chokepoints create extensive protection requirements. Assuming that allied forces will always combine reliably can encourage each navy to hold less equipment. If every navy relies on another to cover its gaps, the combined force can still be too small. India's less aligned position gives it stronger reasons to plan for independent coverage.