War can never be ruled out with the increasing presence of the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean : Navy Chief Hari Kumar

Admiral Hari Kumar, Chief of Indian Navy

New Delhi – China’s 3 to 6 warships are present concurrently in the Indian Ocean. Some are in the Gulf of Oman, some are in the Eastern region of the Ocean. Some research ships and fishing boats are constantly anchored in the Ocean. China’s warships are found near ports of many nations including Pakistan. Indian Navy is constantly vigilant about their activities. Although the chance of conflict is rare, yet the possibility of war cannot be ruled out, informed Admiral Hari Kumar, Chief Indian Navy in the ‘Chanakya Dialogue’ programme.

Navy Chief Hari Kumar said,

We are trying to learn who is present in the Indian Ocean, and what they are doing. Surveillance is constantly going on and we are deploying aircraft, drone, warships and submarines. India is keeping a ‘very close watch’ on the developments in the region to protect and preserve its national interests in the maritime domain.

Admiral Kumar said the Pakistan Navy is modernising itself at a good pace and seeks to become a 50-platform force in 10-15 years, and they are adding new corvettes and frigates to their fleet. China has in the last 10 years included many new warships and submarines in its Navy. China is working on a third warship an aircraft carrier. And very soon it will be added to its fleet.