In a clear message of vigilance and strategic readiness, the Indian Navy has intensified surveillance of all Chinese naval and research vessels operating within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, confirmed that the Navy maintains continuous monitoring and full situational awareness over every Chinese movement in the region.
Constant Watch Over Chinese Presence
The announcement comes in the wake of reports confirming the reappearance of the Chinese tracking ship Yuan Wang-5, a third-generation missile and satellite surveillance vessel operated by the PLA’s Strategic Support Force. The ship, equipped with sophisticated navigation and meteorological systems, has been under close watch since satellite imagery from Geo-Intelligence analyst Damien Symon of The Intel Lab showed its recent manoeuvres in the Indian Ocean.
Vice Admiral Vatsayan, speaking at the curtain raiser for the International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam, emphasised that India remains alert to the “continuous presence of extra-regional powers” in the IOR. He revealed that between 40 and 50 foreign vessels operate in the region at any given time — all of which are closely tracked through the Navy’s integrated maritime surveillance network.
Integrated Surveillance and Maritime Domain Awareness
The Navy’s surveillance grid, powered by satellite imagery, radar systems, and long-range patrol aircraft, enables it to track the exact arrival, activities, and departure of foreign vessels. This comprehensive Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) system ensures that India’s maritime interests and strategic sea lanes remain secure from any potential threat or intrusion.
Modernisation and Fleet Expansion
Highlighting the Navy’s modernisation drive, Vice Admiral Vatsayan announced that four new vessels will join the fleet by the end of 2025. A further 19 ships are scheduled for induction in 2026, followed by 13 more in 2027, underscoring India’s strong commitment to indigenous shipbuilding under the Make in India initiative.
Operation Sindoor and Regional Readiness
Commenting on ongoing operations, the Vice Admiral reaffirmed that Operation Sindoor — India’s maritime security mission — remains fully active, with the Navy maintaining high operational readiness. He also stressed that continued joint exercises and interoperability with partner nations have strengthened India’s maritime deterrence and credibility in the Indo-Pacific.
Strategic Significance
The Vice Admiral’s remarks reflect India’s determination to maintain a secure and rules-based maritime environment amid growing geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean. The enhanced vigilance and fleet expansion align with India’s long-term strategy to safeguard sea lanes, monitor foreign activity, and project credible naval power in the region.
