India's power projection capabilities are in a nascent stage, limited in number and primarily of use against much weaker adversaries. The country's defence posture is shaped by local threats rather than distant interests, and Indian leaders are uncomfortable with talk of military intervention and expeditionary warfare. However, as India's power, interests, and capabilities grow, it is likely to find itself using military force beyond its land borders. India is acquiring increasing numbers of key platforms, such as aircraft carriers, amphibious ships, refuelling tankers, and transport aircraft, which are extending its reach to the Indian Ocean littoral and beyond. Indian Power Projection assesses the strength, reach, and purposes of India's maturing capabilities and offers a systematic assessment of India's ability to conduct long-range airstrikes, transport and convey airborne and amphibious forces, and develop institutional and material enablers that turn platforms into capabilities. The study draws on the lessons of modern expeditionary operations and considers how India's growing interests might shape where and how it uses these evolving capabilities in the future.

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