New Indian Maritime Doctrine Emphasises Indo-Pacific Strategy and Cognitive Warfare

India’s 2025 Maritime Doctrine underscores its ambition to be a “preferred security partner” and “first responder” in the Indo-Pacific, marking a significant shift from previous diplomatic language to formal inclusion in naval policy, according to a report by Australia-based think tank Lowy Institute’s The Interpreter.

The doctrine expands India’s maritime focus beyond the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), treating the IOR and the wider Indo-Pacific as an interconnected continuum rather than a hierarchy of operational priorities. This signals an integration of the Indo-Pacific concept into India’s naval planning.

The report highlighted that the doctrine acknowledges the “No War No Peace” environment, where states pursue objectives without crossing into open armed conflict. It emphasizes that maritime rivalry today often manifests as grey-zone operations—using legal ambiguities, indirect measures, and pressure tactics without triggering conventional war—rather than direct fleet engagements.

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Modern naval operations, the doctrine notes, also involve a “cognitive” dimension, influencing how adversaries perceive situations and make decisions. Concepts such as “manoeuvre warfare” now include disrupting an opponent’s decision-making and cohesion, underscoring a broader understanding of competition that extends into narratives and strategic influence.

The Lowy Institute report concludes that India’s maritime doctrine is a response to contemporary strategic realities, aiming to address hybrid threats, assert influence, and ensure the Indian Navy remains a key security actor across the region.

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