Abstract
Modernization of armed forces is a way to assert national power beyond geographical boundaries. India envisions itself as a regional hegemon. Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has remained close to the hearts and minds of the Indian statesmen. With the growing volume of sea trade, Indian Navy finds greater share in the national security projection. It has embarked upon an effective modernization plan to upgrade its combat power. This modernization drive is raising grave security concerns for other littoral countries in the region. Since the partition of the Subcontinent, Pakistan has faced the Indian belligerence on all fronts. Conventional asymmetry and action_x0002_reaction syndrome largely governs the Indo-Pak Naval relationship as well. Moreover, Indian Maritime Doctrine encourages the Indian Navy to pursue offensive actions to dictate terms of conflict. Such offensive actions are adversely impacting the strategic stability of the region. This paper endeavors to examine the impact of the Indian Naval modernization on Pakistan it suggests some opportunities for Pakistan in view of possible challenges it might have to face.