Ah yes, and in that case the UK's Marines are a little out of place- they are still entirely a subset of the Royal Navy and cannot prosecute their own operations indepdendatly without the RN and, in practice, extensive support from the RAF and Army. They are more of a specialised unit than a force in its own right.
The USMC, on the other hand, is in a league of one and its capabilties are truly breath taking considering it is just one of the wings of the US Military. It is easily one of the most capable militaries in the world just by itself with its own heavy lift helicopters, attack helos, fighter jets, transport aircraft, artillery, main battle tanks, IFVs etc etc
In India's context I don't find the lack of such a force all too regretable as I can understand the reasons why no such force exsists. Naturally the Indian Army under the British had no such force as the "Royal Indian Army" was to keep the "British Raj" secure (from China and the Afghans) whilst also serving in other parts of the British Empire for similar security tasks. And thus when the (independant) Indian Military came to be in 1947 no such legacy exsisted and quickly the first war was upon India in Kashmir (landlocked) meaning no one was even contemplating the need for a marine infantry force.
From 1947 to relatively recently there has been little overt requirement for such a force given that it is inherently an expeditionary force and throughout this period India's doctrine has been entirely defensive AND, just as importantly, focused on Pakistan (where there is little scope for a Marine/amphibious invasion). One can should also note that land warfare (and thus the IA) has heavily dominated the strategic thinking of the Indian leadership throughout this period. So yes, the IA did convert/task some of its battalions to be capable of launching amphibious operations and these forces have been training in this role alongside the IN with its limited fleet of LPD and LST but it is very peicemeal and more of a contingency than an overt strategy.
Drawing a line under such aforementioned history now, one can see that India's interests are expanding globally, Pakistan is no longer hogging much attention with decion makers, and India is looking more outwardly than ever before. It is no coincidence that in the past decade or so there has been a descernable focus given to the IN. The IN is now no longer mandated to simply protect India's shores, it is now tasked to project India's power- the IN has played by FAR the biggest role of all the three services in the GoI's "Look East" policy. And it is here that the IN will now look to (the East) and think that they require such a (Marine expeditionary) force.
Now, If one looks to what is happening in the IN's premier amphibious training school in the A&N islands, sees that the IN is looking for 4 LHD/LPD and has even shown an interest in the DRDO/TATA Kestral IFV (with amphibious capabilties) then it all points to one thing..........things have changed and watch this space.
@Echo_419 @Aminroop @Spectre @Koovie @PARIKRAMA
