The commissioning of INS Nirdeshak, the second of India’s indigenously built Survey Vessel Large (SVL) ships, on 18 December 2024, is a strategic development that highlights a less-discussed but increasingly critical aspect of naval power: the undersea battlespace.
The Indian Navy’s leadership within QUAD, exemplified by its pivotal role in Malabar exercises, reinforces a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. By countering regional threats, fostering maritime cooperation, and addressing non-traditional challenges, India positions itself as a stabilizing force and a key player in advancing shared security and economic objectives across the region.
