Retired Vice Admiral Girish Luthra has underscored the stalling of India’s second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-2), INS Vishal, emphasizing the need for clarity amidst rising regional tensions. Initially envisioned in 2015 as a 65,000-tonne CATOBAR vessel capable of significant operational efficiency, advancements have lagged due to funding issues and strategic debates between adopting advanced foreign technologies versus indigenous capabilities. The recent reaffirmation of IAC-2 under the Navy’s Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR) for a 2035-2040 induction signals a possible revival, but concerns remain over fiscal prioritization and technological inertia, especially as China advances its naval capabilities. This scenario highlights the critical need for India to navigate its defense aspirations strategically to maintain an edge in the Indian Ocean Region.