How can versatile, multi-role naval platforms help India counter non-traditional maritime threats in the Indian Ocean Region?

Non-traditional maritime threats include piracy, drug and arms trafficking, illegal fishing, maritime terrorism and climate-driven disasters. These threats are spread out, low-intensity and recurring, so countering them needs persistent presence more than firepower. India's first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel, INS Samarthak, was commissioned on 16 Oct 2026. It shows how one versatile hull can meet several of these demands [1].

How multi-role platforms help

• Maritime domain awareness: its surveillance and reconnaissance role helps detect piracy, smuggling and illegal fishing early [1].
• Offshore patrolling: a sustained presence protects the EEZ, offshore installations and sea lanes [1].
• HADR: the same ship can switch from patrol to disaster relief during cyclones. This supports India's first-responder role under SAGAR/MAHASAGAR. PIB links the ship to cooperative engagement across the IOR [1].
• Force economy: low-cost vessels can take over routine constabulary tasks. This frees frontline frigates and destroyers for deterrence.
• Readiness: the ship can launch expendable targets, which supports fleet weapon-firing exercises [2].
• Faster indigenous technology: as a dedicated testbed, it lets Indian sensors and weapons be tested without pulling warships away from operations [1].

Limitations

• Not a combatant: its top speed of 15 knots limits pursuit and high-threat missions [2].
• Scale: only two MPVs have been ordered. In comparison, 51 large ships are under construction, and Defence PSUs are the main builders [3].
• Delays: PRS flags major delays in Navy acquisitions such as Project-75 [4]. Multi-role ships help only if they are delivered on time.
• Depth of indigenisation: the claim of ">75% indigenous content" [1] does not say whether engines and sensors are counted.

Way forward

• Expand the multi-role fleet by using private shipyards alongside DPSUs.
• Network these ships with the Coast Guard, IFC-IOR and partner navies for shared maritime awareness.
• Turn successful trials on Samarthak into firm orders across a whole class of ships.

Versatile platforms give India affordable, persistent presence for surveillance, patrol and relief, which is the mix that non-traditional threats demand. Building more of them with the private sector and linking them to regional security frameworks will help the Navy act as the IOR's net security provider and first responder. This is in line with SAGAR/MAHASAGAR and SDG 14's goal of safe, sustainable oceans.