Chinese Vessels Raise Alarm in Indian Ocean; India Halts Missile Test

Three Chinese vessels have recently entered the Indian Ocean, prompting immediate concern from Indian authorities. Following the arrival of the research ship Shi Yan-6 this week, India has cancelled a planned test of its BrahMos missile system near the Andaman Islands. The official explanation for the cancellation was an “operational adjustment,” yet many defence analysts suggest this timing reflects India’s anxiety over China’s increasing maritime presence.

The Chinese government describes these maritime activities as scientific missions. However, experts in military strategy view these operations as more than just benign research. They suspect these missions involve systematic underwater mapping, submarine route planning, and the collection of crucial data for missile targeting, all of which could enhance China’s ability to exert influence over a region that carries approximately 80% of the world’s maritime oil.

Chinese Ships and Their Missions

The Shi Yan-6, launched in 2020, is equipped for extensive deep-sea research. Currently en route to Mauritius, its presence in the region has raised alarms in New Delhi. India’s government has been vocal about concerns regarding Beijing’s growing clout in Mauritius, and the arrival of a Chinese vessel only underscores these issues.

Another vessel, the Shen Hai Yi Hao, is known for operating submersibles capable of diving deeper than 7,000 meters. It is currently surveying underwater minerals and topography near the Maldives. There is speculation that it may also be mapping submarine cables and routes. The Maldives, under a government friendly to China, has welcomed such ships, further intensifying India’s concerns.

The Lan Hai 201 operates under the guise of conducting fishery surveys in the Arabian Sea. This ship is particularly troubling as it often disables its AIS (Automatic Identification System), making its activities difficult to monitor. Recently, it was spotted near Lakshadweep, a location that is alarmingly close to India’s coastline.

Implications of Missile Test Cancellation

On November 20, 2023, India announced plans for a missile test in the Andaman Sea between November 25 and 27, which was expected to involve an aerial launch of the BrahMos missile. However, just as the Shi Yan-6 entered the Indian Ocean through the Sunda Strait, the test was abruptly cancelled. No official justification was provided for this change.

This incident is not an isolated one. Similar occurrences were noted earlier this year when Chinese research vessels operated in proximity to India’s missile test zones, raising suspicions about their intentions to gather telemetry and flight data. The timing of these events has led defence experts to question whether China’s scientific missions are indeed a cover for more strategic objectives in the Indian Ocean.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the implications of these developments for regional security remain profound. The actions taken by India in response to the presence of Chinese vessels underscore the delicate balance of power in this strategically vital region.