- published: 28 Jan 2016
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The Indian Navy (Devanāgarī: भारतीय नौ सेना, Bhāratīya Nau Senā) is the naval branch of the armed forces of India. The President of India serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), usually a four-star officer in the rank of Admiral, commands the Navy.
Though the primary objective of the navy is to secure national maritime borders, India also uses its navy to enhance its international relations through joint exercises, port visits and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief. In recent years, the Indian Navy has undergone considerable modernisation to replace aging equipment currently in service, this is often seen as part of "India's drive" to become a fully fledged blue-water navy.
In the 21st century the Indian Navy sees several principal roles for itself:
In addition to the above, Defence Minister of India A. K. Antony, while addressing representatives of 26 countries at the sixth Asia Security Conference, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, mentioned that "India is ready to play a key role as part of 'a pluralistic security order' for a better world", a role which would encompass India's participation in global security partnerships, such as those under the United Nations and against common threats such as Somalian piracy.