NB Scan X | China’s warship, submarines at India's doorstep?
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With China and Pakistan conducting their largest ever Naval exercises "the Sea Guardian-3 exercises", reports indicate that there are several frontline Chinese warships docked at the Karachi harbour. An NDTV report citing high-resolution satellite images from Maxar Technologies also claims fleet support ships and a submarine docked at Pakistan's busiest seaport.
Among Chinese naval assets at the Karachi port is a Type 039 diesel-electric submarine, whose precise capability and information about how quiet it is, are 'closely held Naval secrets'. There is also a Chinese Type 926 submarine tender, which can replenish submarines and assist underwater vessels in distress. This, as per the NDTV report, hints at the presence of Chinese submarines in the area.
Furthermore, the battle group consists of a Chinese Type 52D destroyer, two Type 54 frigates and a Type 903 Replenishment Oiler — a refuelling aircraft (AOR) that enables warships and submarines to sustain long-range operations.
High resolution satellite images accessed by NDTV indicate the presence of several frontline 🇨🇳#Chinese warships, a submarine and fleet support ships docked at Karachi harbour as Beijing and Islamabad kick off their largest ever Naval exercises.
— Resonant News🌍 (@Resonant_News) November 13, 2023
The Chinese naval assets docked… pic.twitter.com/aZ8EZ4yQqv
Sea Guardian-3 exercises
These are weeklong drills in the Arabian Sea. On Saturday, the Chinese and Pakistani navies kicked off the exercise in the waters and airspace of the northern Arabian Sea at a naval base in Karachi. The drills include anti-submarine operations and will last till November 17.
As per Anadolu Agency, "The exercise is a "reflection of strong bilateral military cooperation" between the Pakistan and China's navies, and will "foster greater bilateral cooperation."
A suspected 🇨🇳 #PLAN TYPE 926 Submarine Support Vessel, is currently approaching 🇵🇰 #Karachi, it was tracked from China's Hainan Naval base & is likely en-route to Pakistan for the upcoming China-Pakistan Joint Naval Drills
— Resonant News🌍 (@Resonant_News) November 13, 2023
- Damien Symon (detresfa_/Twitter) pic.twitter.com/pDWtC7VygN
What is Indian Navy doing?
Notably, last month, the Indian Navy had stated that it keeps a close watch on the activities of the Chinese naval movements in the Indian Ocean Region which is considered globally as the area of responsibility of India. This came after Chinese submarines and warships were moving towards Pakistan for likely wargames. They were being closely tracked by the Indian Navy assets including the P-8I surveillance planes and MQ-9B Predator drones.
The Indian Navy has been deployed in the areas surrounding the Malacca Straits and flies its P-8I anti-submarine warfare planes and the Predator drones very extensively.
The Indian naval assets have also tracked a Chinese quasi-military research vessel, Shi Yan 6 in the IOR since the middle of September. The research vessel is currently undertaking Joint Scientific Research in Sri Lankan EEZ, sources said.
Indian Navy also has a major presence in the Persian Gulf as well as the Gulf of Aden and keeps its surveillance against any movement of the adversaries in the region.