The Indian Navy recently drove away Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 1 that was suspected to have been carrying out research activities in the Indian waters near Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar islands, news agency ANI reported on Tuesday, 3 December.
Navy Chief Karambir Singh, while addressing a press conference later in the day, confirmed the development. He said that India is keenly watching China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean region.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Singh said that India’s stand is that if you have to work in our Exclusive Economic Zone, then you have to take our permission.
“Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean is since 2008. Seven-eight Chinese ships were present in the ocean, and we drove away 1 Chinese ship from our waters recently.”Admiral Karambir Singh, Navy Chief
The research vessel was identified by maritime surveillance aircraft that was operating there.
The sources further added that the Chinese could have used the vessel to spy on the Indian activities in the Island area from where India can keep a close eye on the maritime movements in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and South-East Asian region.
Soon after it was detected that the vessel was carrying out research activities in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), an Indian Navy warship was sent to the location to monitor it.
Owing to the fact that there are no laws that would allow foreign countries to conduct exploration activities in the Indian EEZ, the Chinese counterparts were asked to move the vessel out of the Indian waters.
Following which, the vessel was moved from Indian waters to another location most likely towards China, sources told ANI.
Keeping a constant vigil on Chinese vessels entering the IOR, recently the Indian Navy's P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft had also detected seven Chinese Navy warships operating near the IOR.
(With inputs from ANI)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)