It is an obvious fact to any student of history that India’s security lies on the Indian Ocean: that without a well considered and effective naval policy, India’s position in the world will be weak, dependent on others and her freedom at the mercy of any country capable of controlling the Indian Ocean. India’s future therefore is closely bound up with the strength she is able to develop gradually as a naval power. Over the years India’s relative position in terms of economy, military power, mode of governance and good relations with most of its neighbours have aided India to become a stable nation in what had once been termed as ‘A Sea of Uncertainty’ or 'The stage for the new Great Game'. Since 1945 the Indian Navy has been the principal manifestation of India’s maritime power and is today the nations principal maritime agency with a wide ambit that covers all the four roles of any modern navy. The Indian Navy over the decades since independence has evolved from a coastal force to a modern navy, which has earned in the Indian Ocean Region, the tag of 'First responder in the maritime domain'. The path travelled has not been easy and the Indian Navy owes its growth to the maritime vision of strategic thinks, both in and out of uniform, who have contributed immensely to its development. This presentation will attempt to trace the path traversed since 1947 and place in perspective many issues that merit attention.