'India fully prepared': Navy chief as Pakistan receives China-made submarines
What's the story
The Indian Navy on Thursday said it is closely monitoring the delivery of advanced submarines to Pakistan by China. Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, the Vice Chief of the Indian Navy, said they are keeping a close watch on this development and maintaining operational readiness. "We are aware that China is supplying submarines and ships to Pakistan. We are monitoring everything closely, and the Indian Navy is fully prepared," he said.
Submarine deal
Pakistan's naval expansion plans with China
Pakistan is expected to induct eight Hangor-class diesel-electric submarines under a $5 billion deal with China. The program, which was first signed in 2015, includes four boats built in China and four assembled in Pakistan. The first submarine was launched in April 2024, with two more expected this year. All eight are scheduled for delivery between 2022 and 2028.
Naval partnership
Pakistan's naval chief hails collaboration with China
Recently, Pakistan's Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf recently told the Global Times that the induction of these submarines is progressing as planned. He described the launch of the second and third boats as "a major milestone for naval collaboration between China and Pakistan." Pakistan has been strengthening its naval posture since Operation Sindoor, amid concerns over their navy's readiness during tensions with India.
Strategic review
India reviews tactics, force structure amid Pakistan's naval expansion
Vatsayan, who took over as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff in August, said India is reviewing its tactics and force structure to stay ahead. He said they are aware of the capabilities needed for anti-submarine warfare and are making all efforts to counter Pakistan's submarine induction. "We know what capabilities we need in the area of anti-submarine warfare," he added.
Fleet expansion
India's current submarine fleet and future capabilities
India currently operates indigenously developed nuclear-powered submarines and several classes of diesel-electric attack submarines developed with France, Germany, and Russia. Vatsayan said that under Operation Sindoor, the Navy is "monitoring every vessel that enters the Indian Ocean region" and is "fully prepared to deal with any eventuality." He revealed this month that approximately 40 Indian warships are currently deployed throughout the region, with plans to boost the number to more than 50 in the near future.
China
Pakistan, China relations
China and Pakistan have expanded their defense relations in recent years, with Islamabad being Beijing's top arms customer. According to SIPRI estimates, Pakistan accounted for more than 60% of China's total weapons exports between 2020 and 2024. Along with extensive military cooperation, Beijing has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure and connectivity projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a 3,000-kilometer trade corridor that connects China's Xinjiang province to Pakistan's Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea.