Twitter
Advertisement

Work on 6 new submarines begins

Chinese vessels, including submarines, continue to prowl the waters as part of anti-piracy operations

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Work on six new nuclear submarines that will enhance the Indian Navy's firepower in the Indian Ocean Region amid the Chinese threat has started. Chinese vessels, including submarines, continue to prowl the waters as part of anti-piracy operations.

"Anti-piracy operations is a rather odd task to be given to a submarine," Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said on Friday in reference to Chinese submarines presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Navy Chief confirmed that the project to build new nuclear submarines had kickstarted but did not share details saying it was classified information.

The Indian Navy is also looking at enhanced deployment and play a more proactive role in the Indo-Pacific region as part of a quadrilateral coalition along with the US, Japan and Australia. China has been expanding its base in the region too.

Talking about the Chinese Navy deploying a submarine in the Indian Ocean Region since 2013, Admiral Lanba said the deployment alternates with a conventional ship every three months. "We monitor their deployment. A maritime patrol aircraft detects it every 24-48 hours," he said.

He said seven to eight Chinese ships are there in the Indian Ocean Region at any given time.

"Three of them are part of an anti piracy group in Gulf of Aden. Twice a year, a submarine comes with an escort ship," he added.

He said in August that there was a unique situation when there were 14 Chinese ships present due to changing of the anti piracy vessels.

The Indian Navy is also exploring the possibility of signing strategic pacts with several countries on the lines of the recent agreement with Singapore that has allowed Indian ships to operate from Changi port .

To bolster its maritime diplomacy and intelligence gathering in the seas Indian Navy organised a first of its kind conclave in Goa, that was attended by naval chiefs of 10 other countries.

Chinese control of control over ports in Djibouti, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Sitwe port in Myanmar is a matter of concern for India.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement