india-flexes-naval-muscle-in-response-to-china-s-research-activities-in-the-indian-ocean

The Indian Ocean is witnessing a growing strategic competition between India and China, with both nations vying for influence in the region. 

 

This has been particularly evident in recent months, marked by a significant ramp-up of India's naval presence in response to perceived Chinese expansionist activities.

 

Countering Chinese "research vessels"

 

A key development is the deployment of the Indian research vessel RV Samudra Ratnakar in the Bay of Bengal. 

 

This sophisticated vessel, operated by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), has been strategically positioned between two Chinese survey ships, Xiang Yang Hong 01 and Xiang Yang Hong 03, operating near India's eastern coast.

 

While China maintains these are research vessels, Indian concerns lie in their potential dual-use capability, particularly activities related to tracking ballistic missiles.

 

The deployment of the RV Samudra Ratnakar is widely seen as a countermeasure to gather data on these Chinese activities.

 

The RV Samudra Ratnakar represents the pinnacle of oceanographic research vessels, meticulously crafted by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea. 

 

Stretching 103 meters in length, this cutting-edge vessel is tailored for prolonged missions, boasting a remarkable endurance of 45 consecutive days at sea. 

 

With a capacity to house 73 individuals, including 25 geoscientists, it stands as a formidable platform for scientific exploration.

 

Equipped with an extensive suite of scientific instrumentation, the RV Samudra Ratnakar features state-of-the-art positioning systems, sonar arrays, seismic apparatus, magnetometers, and gravimeters. 

 

Furthermore, it is outfitted with essential tools such as remotely operated vehicles, coring and sampling devices, and a marine data management system, ensuring comprehensive data collection capabilities.

 

In contrast, China's Yuan Wang-class ships are suspected to serve a more covert purpose, primarily tracking and facilitating ballistic missile operations. 

 

Their frequent presence in close proximity to India's strategic assets understandably raises alarms in New Delhi, casting doubt on China's purported intentions.

 

The juxtaposition of these vessels spotlights a stark reality: if China were genuinely engaged in scientific research, there would be little rationale for deploying such ships near Indian territories, heightening apprehensions about their true objectives.

 

Show of force and regional commitment

 

India has further bolstered its naval posture through large-scale exercises showcasing its growing underwater prowess. 

 

A recent exercise in the Arabian Sea involved eight submarines operating together in a coordinated display – an unprecedented demonstration of India's submarine capabilities. 

 

This serves as a clear message to China about India's growing naval strength.

 

While 10 warships have been deployed in the northern Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden and eastern coast of Somalia for anti-piracy missions and responses to vessels hit by the missiles and drones, others are operating in the Bay of Bengal and southern Indian Ocean.

 

With this, both the eastern fleet and western fleet are on deployment.

 

"Eleven submarines, 35 ships and five aircraft are operating at sea. Out of them 10 ships are in the western seaboard where the deployment will continue till the areas becomes safe for commercial traffic, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar said on Saturday, as the Indian Navy completed 100 days of its responses in the western seaboard.

 

Earlier this week Admiral Kumar spent three days at the Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam where he reviewed the ongoing operations. Senior navy officials said this was probably the largest deployment of submarines.

 

India's current submarine fleet comprises sixteen conventional submarines, encompassing German HDWs, Russian Kilo-class, and French Scorpene-class submarines. 

 

The newer Scorpene submarines boast higher availability rates compared to their predecessors.

 

However, maintaining operational readiness remains a persistent challenge. 

 

Despite their enduring capabilities, Kilo-class submarines, in service since the 1980s, are experiencing declining availability rates.

 

Efforts to enhance the fleet include proposals for additional modern submarines, particularly Scorpene-class vessels. Nonetheless, delays in acquisition and delivery schedules persist.

 

The anticipated delivery of six technologically advanced submarines, initially planned over a decade ago, faces significant delays, with prospects of the first vessel being commissioned by 2030.

 

Expanding reach, strategic deployment and infrastructure development

 

China's extensive activities in the Indian Ocean region have raised grave concerns, particularly in areas like Humbantota, where its actions have come under scrutiny. 

 

But China's influence extends far beyond Sri Lanka's shores, with significant endeavours underway in other parts of the world.

 

In Myanmar, China is ramping up efforts to finalise the Kyaukpyu Port, while in Bangladesh, it is deepening its involvement through the Belt and Road initiative.

 

The Maldives witness China's heavy investment in expanding artificial islands, and Seychelles sees strategic projects backed by Chinese funding.

 

The overarching ambition of China appears to be gaining full control over both the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. 

 

Despite China's expansionist aspirations, India has been effectively thwarting its endeavours in the Indian Ocean region.

 

Over the weekend, the Kalvari Class Corpine SUBMARINE made a historic visit to INS Baaz, marking a significant milestone for the Indian armed forces. 

 

Situated near Campbell Bay in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, INS Baaz serves as the southernmost naval air station of the Indian armed forces, overlooking the strategically vital Strait of Malacca—a crucial sea lane linking the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea.

 

Furthermore, the proximity of Campbell Bay, just 145 kilometers north of Indonesia, positions it strategically to control the 6 degrees shipping channel between Great Nicobar and Sumatra. 

 

The arrival of an Indian submarine of this class underlines the Indian Navy's enhanced reach and operational flexibility, enabling swift deployment of stealth marines in critical areas and beyond.

 

India's efforts extend beyond naval deployments; the expansion of the runway at INS Baaz facilitates the operation of maritime surveillance planes, while the landing of Indian Air Force's C-130J Special Operations aircraft in 2022 further underlines India's commitment to bolstering its strategic assets.

 

Despite China's larger submarine fleet, India is rapidly closing the gap.

 

India's strategic deployments and growing capabilities demonstrate its resolve to challenge China's expansionist ambitions in the Indian Ocean. 

 

Notably, the recent deployment of a record-breaking 11 submarines by the Indian Navy showcases its growing underwater strength.

 

India's recent naval activities demonstrate its commitment to securing its strategic interests and maintaining regional stability. 

 

While India's submarine fleet may not currently match China's in size, it is leveraging its presence to ensure regional security and stability. 

 

India's proactive approach in providing maritime security and its commitment to regional allies stand in contrast to China's focus on expanding its own influence. 

 

As the strategic competition in the Indian Ocean intensifies, India's ability to balance its growing capabilities with diplomatic efforts will be crucial in the years to come.