India is advancing its naval capabilities by planning its third aircraft carrier, which is expected to be the first nuclear-powered carrier for the Indian Navy. Announced in a 15-year defence modernization roadmap released in early September 2025, this carrier will mark a significant enhancement in India’s maritime reach and power projection, particularly against regional rivals China and Pakistan. Unlike the two existing carriers, INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant, which rely on conventional propulsion, the new carrier will employ nuclear propulsion to enable extended operations at sea without refueling. This capability will support advanced systems such as electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS), which are under indigenous development, and facilitate the operation of next-generation twin-engine deck-based fighter jets and light combat aircraft from homegrown manufacturers like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The roadmap, unveiled by India’s Ministry of Defence, reflects a strategic shift toward self-reliance and technological advancement in maritime defense, including incorporation of cutting-edge weapons, sensors, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The plan also encompasses at least 10 nuclear propulsion units for this carrier and other future warships, aiming to solidify India’s strategic dominance in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region. Construction and commissioning of the nuclear-powered carrier could take over a decade, targeting operational readiness in the late 2030s, advancing India into an elite group of nations with nuclear-powered carrier capabilities alongside the U.S. and France. This initiative is central to India’s broader goal of sustaining a three-carrier fleet to ensure maritime superiority amid evolving geopolitical challenges.