India’s maritime surveillance authorities are paying closer attention to three Chinese research vessels in the Indian Ocean. Shi Yan-6, Shen Hai Yi Hao, and Lan Hai are among those deployed; they are all presently on oceanographic or scientific missions that may have dual-use implications.
China’s increasing interest in mapping and keeping an eye on the Indian Ocean, a region crucial to India’s strategic and economic security, is reflected in this development.
China’s first geophysical ocean research ship, Shi Yan-6, is currently en route to Mauritius. Although its official aim is to conduct marine geological and geophysical surveys, Indian observers see it as a component of Beijing’s larger maritime domain awareness (MDA) initiative.
The ship has multibeam echo sounders, magnetometers, and sophisticated sub-bottom profilers that can produce comprehensive seabed profiles, which are essential for both undersea navigation and resource research.
Early in November 2025, another Chinese research platform, Shen Hai Yi Hao, sailed into the Indian Ocean. It was put into service in 2019 and supports the Jiaolong manned submersible, which has a depth of more than 7,000 meters. Its activities include topography mapping and deep-sea sample collection, with a nominal destination of Male, Maldives. Defense researchers speculate that, given their capabilities, these vessels might also help scan underwater features that are essential for cable-laying routes or submarine operations.
The third ship, Lan Hai, has already begun surveying the eastern Indian Ocean. Indian maritime observers suspect coordination among these vessels to survey important undersea features spanning from the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea, despite the fact that it is presented as a research mission.
This conduct is consistent with recent trends in which Chinese research ships have been operating close to important Indo-Pacific maritime lanes and island territories.
India has stepped up its naval and satellite surveillance of foreign research ships operating close to its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and maritime border. All three ships are allegedly being monitored by the Indian Navy’s Information Management and Analysis Center (IMAC) and the Ministry of Defense. As demonstrated in previous cases involving comparable Chinese missions, such deployments usually result in diplomatic caution and possible refusal of port calls at Indian facilities.
After a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) about a BrahMos missile launch near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was abruptly cancelled, the timing of the Chinese surveys became even more important. The sequence highlights India’s sensitivity to foreign hydrographic activities that could inform future military or strategic interests, even though officials have not connected the two incidents.
China has insisted that its oceanic research advances both scientific and peaceful goals. Analysts, however, see these missions as a component of Beijing’s long-term strategy to improve underwater situational awareness, particularly in areas that are vital to the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).
Chinese scientific expeditions that blur the boundaries between civilian study and naval surveillance are becoming more common in the Indian Ocean, a nautical arena that has previously been dominated by the Indian Navy.
Indian defense planners are anticipated to improve maritime domain monitoring and possibly collaborate with friendly navies for regional surveillance in light of three Chinese boats operating concurrently. Oceanographic research has become a strategic frontier, where data and mapping capabilities can directly translate into tactical and military advantage, as demonstrated by the most recent deployment.
