Indian Navy closely tracking all Chinese vessels in Indian Ocean Region: VCNS

More than a month after reports indicated the presence of the Chinese spy vessel Yuan Wang-5 in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Indian Navy said that it is closely monitoring each and every Chinese Vessel entering the region and remains fully aware of their movements.

Reportedly, in September, Geo-intelligence Analyst Damien Symon from The Intel Lab had shared satellite images on X showing the movements of the Chinese tracking vessel Yuan Wang-5. Operated by the PLA’s Strategic Support Force (SSF), the third-generation ship is among four active vessels in the Yuan Wang class, designed to monitor satellites and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Notably, the ship carries advanced navigation, meteorological, and computing systems that enable long-range space surveillance and missile telemetry operations.

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Speaking on the movement of Chinese vessels in the IOR, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS) Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan said there is a continuous presence of extra-regional powers in the Indian Ocean region due to the ongoing situation. He was speaking during the curtain raiser for the upcoming International Fleet Review slated to be held in February 2026 at Visakhapatnam.

“It has always been that and it’s only increasing. At any given point of time, we have a minimum of 40, but going even beyond 50 odd ships that are operating in the Indian Ocean region and just to assure all of you, we are monitoring each and every one of them. Each and every one of them, as far as the naval ships are concerned or the research vessels are concerned. So we are aware of them. We are aware of what they’re doing, what they’re likely to do, when they come in, when they go out, etc.,” he said.

Adding that the Indian Navy is all set to induct four more vessels before the year comes to an end, the VCNS said while 19 will be inducted in 2026, 13 ships will be delivered in 2027.

Referring to the Indian Navy’s role in Operation Sindoor, the Vice Admiral said while it’s still ongoing, the force is deployed and ready to deal with any situation. “Operation Sindoor is still on. The message to be conveyed with our ongoing exercises with foreign countries and our plans are in place without any hindrance. We are ready and deployed as part of Operation Sindoor at present and in future. It is ongoing, and we are also going forward with our military plans. That is a very simple message that we are looking at,” he added.