The Indian Navy is keeping a careful eye on events in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), especially those involving dual-role ships that might be acting fraudulently.
During a session at the Raisina Dialogue-2025, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi emphasized this vigilance, pointing out the growing Chinese navy presence in the area.
The Navy’s dedication to preserving maritime domain awareness and security in this crucial region was reaffirmed when he said, “We are aware of what is happening in the IOR, and we know who is doing what, where, why, and how.”
China’s strategic moves to increase its influence in the IOR present a number of difficulties, according to Admiral Tripathi. These include setting up military installations, putting pressure on neighboring nations to back its maritime claims, and negotiating concessions from weaker nations. Concerns regarding China’s intentions and the effects on the rules-based international order have been raised by such actions on a global scale.
The Admiral affirmed that maintaining peace and enabling unimpeded trade in the IOR are India’s responsibilities. In order to accomplish these objectives, he mentioned continuing partnerships with numerous domestic and foreign partners.
The presence of dual-use ships that could be used for military purposes while disguising themselves as civilians is one example of how the Indian Navy has shown that it is capable of keeping an eye on and responding to illegal activity in the area.
Furthermore, he recognized that although individual navies might have constraints, partnerships can improve operational efficacy.
Instead of only forming alliances, the Indian Navy wants to work cooperatively on common security issues, which could produce faster results.
Admiral Tripathi also noted that China is under investigation for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which is still a major problem in the Indo-Pacific.
He emphasized how crucial it is to remain alert during military operations as well as to comprehend the geopolitical dynamics and technological innovations used by different regional actors.
In order to maintain regional stability and security, the Indian Navy actively monitors maritime activities in the IOR, especially those associated with China, and promotes international cooperation.
