The Indian Navy maintains continuous surveillance over every Chinese vessel entering the Indian Ocean Region, including naval and research ships, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan declared on Friday. Speaking at a media briefing in New Delhi, he affirmed that the Navy possesses comprehensive awareness of their activities, entry, and exit timings. This vigilant monitoring extends to all extra-regional deployments, with approximately 40 to 50 foreign vessels operating in the region at any given time.

Vice Admiral Vatsayan emphasized the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean as a critical artery for global trade, transporting the majority of the world’s oil and goods. He underscored the Navy’s operational readiness to address both traditional and non-traditional security challenges. The disclosure follows reports in September 2025 of the Chinese tracking vessel Yuan Wang-5 conducting operations in the region, reinforcing India’s commitment to maritime domain awareness under Operation Sindoor.

The remarks were made during a curtain-raiser for three landmark events scheduled in Visakhapatnam from February 17 to 25, 2026: the International Fleet Review (IFR), Exercise MILAN, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs. Over 55 nations, including the United States and Russia, have confirmed participation, highlighting India’s growing stature in multilateral maritime cooperation. President Droupadi Murmu will conduct the Presidential Fleet Review on February 18.

Also Read: US, Indian Navies Complete Week-Long Anti-Submarine Exercise in Indian Ocean

These initiatives align with the MAHASAGAR vision, promoting inclusive and secure maritime growth while showcasing India’s advancing self-reliance in defense production. The Navy has inducted 10 ships and one submarine this year, with four more expected by December. Next year, 19 vessels are slated for commissioning, primarily by year-end, followed by 13 additional deliveries in 2027.

Vice Admiral Vatsayan reiterated that deployments remain flexible, driven by real-time threat assessments. The convergence of global navies in 2026 will not only demonstrate operational synergy but also affirm India’s role as a responsible maritime power safeguarding vital sea lanes amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Also Read: Cochin Shipyard Delivers ‘Mahe’, India’s First Next-Gen Anti-Submarine Warship