Growing Ties: Chinese Naval Activities Draw Indian Navy's Attention During Pakistan Drills

The Indian Navy is closely monitoring Chinese warships participating in joint naval exercises with Pakistan, expressing concerns over growing China-Pakistan ties. The Sea Guardian-3 exercise aims to enhance defense cooperation between the two nations, sparking security worries for India amidst its comprehensive maritime awareness efforts.

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In a significant development, the Indian Navy is actively observing the movement of Chinese warships and a submarine engaged in joint naval exercises with Pakistan, as revealed by government sources. The Navy initiated monitoring when the Chinese platforms entered the Indian Ocean region through the Malacca Strait. The ongoing Sea Guardian exercise involves China deploying frontline warships and a submarine, marking the third edition of this bilateral naval engagement between China and Pakistan.

The Sea Guardian-3 exercise, scheduled from November 11 to 17 in the northern Arabian Sea, focuses on enhancing defense cooperation. Pakistan has committed frontline destroyers, frigates, helicopters, and other assets for this exercise. Divided into harbor and sea phases, the drill includes sharing experiences on maritime security challenges, conducting advanced naval operations, tactical maneuvers, and search and rescue operations.

The Indian Navy's vigilance aligns with its comprehensive maritime domain awareness strategy to safeguard national security interests. Concerns arise from the increasing collaboration between China and Pakistan, especially considering Beijing's ambitions to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its active support for modernizing the Pakistani Army.

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Notably, India had previously expressed apprehensions over the docking of a Chinese surveillance warship in Colombo Port and raised concerns about a Chinese ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship in Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port. The proximity of Chinese naval activities during joint exercises with Pakistan amplifies India's anxieties about potential security implications in the Indian Ocean.

This situation underscores the complexities in the region, with India strategically monitoring and responding to developments that impact its maritime security landscape and national interests.