India Deploys INS Tamal, China-Pakistan Naval Axis Faces Heat in Arabian Sea

India is set to induct INS Tamal, a Russia-supplied stealth-loaded Krivak-III class Russian frigate, bringing enormous firepower to its navy. Along with its sister ship, INS Tushil, this multi-purpose warship consolidates India’s maritime advantage in the Arabian Sea as tensions build with Pakistan’s China-backed navy.

Meanwhile, India has also pushed forward its undersea warfare by successfully test-firing indigenous multi-influence ground mines aimed at enemy submarines. With changing regional equations, India’s emphasis on developing its surface and subsurface firepower is a thoughtful attempt at extending power and safeguarding deterrence against such peer competitors as China and Pakistan.

INS Tamal Enters Service

INS Tamal, which weighs about 3,900 tonnes, is ready for Indian delivery after the final Kaliningrad trials in Russia. It is loaded with a deadly combination of BrahMos cruise missiles, anti-submarine torpedoes, Shtil surface-to-air missiles, and modern sensors.

It is different from previous warships in that it has stealth design, lower radar signatures, and high automation for quicker combat decisions. These make it capable of fighting enemies on air, surface, and underwater levels.

Additionally, it can carry Kamov-28 and Kamov-31 helicopters, which adds further strength to its anti-submarine and early warning capabilities. It then becomes not only a defender—but a power projector in disputed waters.

India’s Stealth and Underwater Power Increases

Meanwhile, India’s home-grown defence industry achieved a benchmark. The Indian navy recently field-tested multi-influence ground mines—a cutting-edge underwater weapon system that can pick up stealthy submarines through magnetic, acoustic, and pressure sensors. While experimented with diminished explosives, the system proved it has the capability of targeting concealed menaces beneath the waves.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed it a major leap for the navy’s underwater warfare capability. These mines, now in India’s arsenal, enhance maritime deterrence and bolster India’s capacity to dominate contested underwater domains.

India’s Frigate Superiority Over Pakistan’s China-Made Ships

In sheer numbers and capacity, India’s frigate force overwhelms Pakistan’s. India now has 19 operational frigates against Pakistan’s eight, and the disparity is still growing. Pakistan’s new Chinese-built Tughril-class (Type 054A/P) vessels bring some firepower—such as CM-302 supersonic missiles and LY-80N air defence systems.

But India has the advantage. The BrahMos missile system has a faster speed and greater operational range than CM-302. Similarly, India’s Barak-8 air defence system provides better cover than Pakistan’s LY-80N. To boot, Indian frigates are built for long-range, blue-water operations, as opposed to Pakistan’s regional sea-denial strategy.

Building Muscle at Home and Abroad

India’s purchase of four Krivak-III frigates—two from Russia and two under construction at Goa Shipyard through tech transfer—demonstrates a hybrid approach in action. By combining foreign collaborations with domestic shipbuilding such as the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) and future Project 17B, India is creating an autonomous yet technologically sophisticated naval fleet.

While Pakistan relies heavily on China for warships, India’s twin-track approach guarantees both strategic independence and sustainability.

Strategic Advantage in the Indian Ocean Region

With INS Tamal, INS Tushil, and a Talwar-, Shivalik-, and Nilgiri-class frigate fleet, India is capable of full-spectrum maritime operations. These vessels complement submarines, aircraft carriers, and airborne surveillance systems, providing India with mastery over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Significantly, they are able to secure the sea lanes, react quickly to challenges, and dissuade hostile action from China as well as Pakistan. As Chinese naval presence moves westward, India’s dominance in the IOR becomes a clinching balancing power.

Maritime Dominance Through Multilayer Strategy

India’s naval modernization, characterized by the induction of INS Tamal and deployment of multi-influence mines, reflects a multi-layered strategy. It combines imported strength, domestic innovation, and strategic foresight. All these developments confirm India’s determination to not only defend but dominate the seas.

With tensions on the rise in the Arabian Sea, India is unquestionably dictating the naval balance. The message is unmistakable: India is ready, weaponed, and willing to take command in maritime security.