Indian Navy Enhances Monitoring of Chinese Vessels in Indian Ocean, Affirms Vice Admiral
The Indian Navy has heightened its monitoring efforts of Chinese naval and research vessels operating in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), as stated by Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan. He confirmed that the Navy ensures ongoing surveillance and full awareness of all Chinese movements in the area.
The move follows observations of the return of the Chinese tracking ship Yuan Wang-5, a sophisticated third-generation missile and satellite surveillance vessel operated by the PLA’s Strategic Support Force. The ship has been under scrutiny since Geo-Intelligence analyst Damien Symon from The Intel Lab captured satellite images demonstrating its recent activities in the Indian Ocean.
Vice Admiral Vatsayan, speaking at the International Fleet Review 2026 event in Visakhapatnam, highlighted India's alertness to the continued presence of "extra-regional powers" in the IOR. He disclosed that at any given time, 40 to 50 foreign vessels are operational in the region, all tracked by the Navy's comprehensive maritime surveillance network.
This surveillance system, powered by satellite imagery, radar systems, and long-range patrol aircraft, allows the Navy to precisely track the arrival, activities, and departure of foreign vessels. This Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) system is crucial for safeguarding India’s maritime interests and strategic sea lanes against potential threats or intrusions.
Vice Admiral Vatsayan also announced the Navy’s ongoing modernization efforts, revealing that four new vessels are set to join the fleet by the end of 2025. An additional 19 ships are expected in 2026, followed by another 13 in 2027, reflecting India’s commitment to indigenous shipbuilding under the Make in India initiative.
Regarding current operations, the Vice Admiral confirmed that Operation Sindoor, India’s maritime security mission, remains active with high operational readiness. He noted that joint exercises and enhanced interoperability with partner nations have bolstered India’s maritime deterrence and credibility in the Indo-Pacific.
The Vice Admiral’s comments underscore India’s focus on maintaining a secure and rule-based maritime environment amidst increasing geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean. The intensified surveillance and fleet expansion support India’s strategic objective to monitor foreign activities, ensure secure sea lanes, and establish credible naval power in the region.
