India keeping close watch on large presence of Chinese vessels in IOR: Navy chief

India keeping close watch on large presence of Chinese vessels in IOR: Navy chief
India keeping close watch on large presence of Chinese vessels in IOR: Navy chief

New Delhi: Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar today cautioned about the "large presence" of Chinese vessels in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). However, he said that India is keeping a very close watch on the developments in the region to protect and preserve its national interests in the maritime domain. 

"There is a large presence of Chinese vessels. At any point of time, there are 3-6 Chinese warships in IOR," he said, adding some are close to the Gulf of Oman, and some in the eastern part of the IOR, among other places. 

Navy Chief said, "Chinese research vessels are ever present, numbering from 2-4 and Chinese fishing vessels as well. So, there is a large presence of Chinese vessels in the IOR, and India Navy keeps track of it."

"We are keeping a very close watch in the Indian Ocean Region… and effort is to know whose presence is there and what are they up to, monitoring it 24×7 and we deploy aircraft, UAVs, ships, submarines, etc.," the Navy chief said.

Replying to a query from audience on Chinese research vessels, Admiral Kumar said, these vessels have the ability to track and collect electronic signals.

On a question on PLA Navy ships docking at ports in Pakistan, he said, these ships are docking at ports in various countries, and not just in Pakistan. As far as their visit to ports in Pakistan are concerned, "we are ceased of it, and keep a watch on", he said.

(Defence Watch– India's Defence News centre that focuses on Defence Manufacturing, Defence Technology, Strategy and Military affairs is on Twitter. Follow us here and stay updated.)

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