The Indian Navy has confirmed that it monitors each and every Chinese naval or research vessel entering the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan said on Friday.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming International Fleet Review 2026 (IFR) and MILAN 2026 maritime exercise in February, the Vice Admiral noted that “at any given point in time, we have a minimum of 40, but going even beyond 50-odd ships” from extra-regional powers operating in the IOR.
“Just to assure all of you, we are monitoring each and every one of them, we are aware of what they’re doing, what they’re likely to do, when they come in, when they go out,” he added.
The Vice Chief’s comments highlight India’s growing vigilance at sea amid heightened maritime activity. The Indian Ocean remains a crucial transit route for global trade and oil shipments-factors that underscore the strategic importance of naval presence and surveillance.
India has also signalled its shrinking tolerance for Chinese naval expansion in its neighbourhood. While neither China nor Turkey have been invited to participate in the IFR or MILAN gathering, over 55 countries including the United States and Russia have confirmed participation.
According to sources, the Indian Navy has inducted 10 ships and one submarine this year, with another four vessels planned for delivery before December. The expansion underscores its emphasis on enhanced maritime monitoring and readiness.
With multiple mega-naval events on the horizon, India’s message is clear: maintaining maritime awareness and readiness remains a priority, and monitoring foreign naval movements in the Indian Ocean is integral to safeguarding regional security and strategic interests.
