‘Well aware of its presence’: Indian Navy monitors Chinese research ship headed towards Maldives

Amid the developing maritime situation, the Indian Navy is closely monitoring the movement of a Chinese research vessel – Xiang Yang Hong 03 – en route to Malé, the capital of Maldives. The ship is similar to one that operated near Sri Lanka and against which India had raised objections.

Defense sources confirmed to CNN-News18 that the Indian Navy is well aware of the presence of the ship and is monitoring its movements.

Sources said that so far, no case of the ship carrying out any research activities within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has been reported.

The Chinese ship is expected to reach Maldives within a couple of weeks.

Last year, the Sri Lankan government allowed a Chinese ship two days to conduct supervised marine research off the western coast of the island.

The decision to island a Chinese research ship – Shi Yan 6 – was allowed to operate for 48 hours amid concerns that it could be a spy ship.

Previously, Sri Lanka had allowed the ship to enter the main port of Colombo only for “replenishment”, due to concerns that the ship could be used to spy against them.

In the past too, India has raised concerns about China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in Sri Lanka, which is strategically located halfway between major east-west international shipping routes.

Another Chinese research vessel, Yuan Wang 5, which specializes in spacecraft tracking, visited Sri Lanka in 2022. It was docked in Hambantota, a port in the south of Sri Lanka, under a 99-year lease to the Chinese company after Colombo failed to service the US$1.4 million vessel. Took loan worth billions for the project

China owes 52 percent of Sri Lanka’s bilateral debt, and Beijing’s approval is crucial for any effort by Colombo to restructure its outstanding debts.

Indian Navy increased maritime security

Earlier this month, the Indian Navy deployed more than ten warships to intensify its maritime presence in the area from the north and central Arabian Sea to the Gulf of Aden to prevent any piracy attempts and drone attacks Were.

The deployment of warships also includes the presence of Marine Commandos (MARCOS). Officials said the Indian Navy is the resident power of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and will do whatever it can to protect India’s national interests and make the region free, fair and open to global trade.

Last year, amid the growing threat of piracy and drone attacks on commercial vessels, the Navy had already deployed INS Kochi, INS Kolkata, INS Mormugao as well as INS Chennai and multi-role frigates INS Talwar and INS Tarkash . Dorniers and helicopters were also deployed for maritime surveillance and security purposes.

The Indian Navy is working in constant coordination with the Coast Guard to ensure effective surveillance of the Indian EEZ.