SOURCE: AFI
A potential maritime standoff is brewing in the Bay of Bengal as China’s ocean research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 03, is steadily making its way into the region. Simultaneously, India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) declaring a no-fly zone for a planned naval subsurface firing exercise in the same general area.
The proximity of the Chinese vessel to the Indian naval exercise, a mere 120 nautical miles, has raised eyebrows and sparked concerns about potential intelligence gathering activities. While China officially maintains that its vessels are engaged in civilian research, India remains vigilant about their activities in the Indian Ocean Region, considering them as potential dual-use platforms with military applications.
This development comes amidst heightened tensions between the two Asian giants, with both nations vying for influence in the Indo-Pacific. The Indian Navy is closely monitoring the movements of the Chinese vessel, and the situation is being assessed for any potential security threats.
Experts believe that the simultaneous presence of a Chinese research vessel near a major Indian naval exercise is a clear indication of the intensifying strategic competition in the region. The Indian Navy’s response to this situation will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of maritime relations between the two countries.