India sends spy planes to track Chinese vessel movement

COLOMBO (News 1st); The berthing of a Chinese geophysical scientific research vessel, Shi Yan 6, in the Port of Colombo in the Sea of Sri Lanka, is brewing a new geopolitical issue.

According to Indian media reports, the Indian Navy is keeping close tabs on three Chinese warships, a submarine and a research vessel in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Indian Navy, on its part, keeps track of the Chinese vessels using its fleet of P-81 long-range maritime patrol aircraft and surface ships as well as two MQ-9B Sea
Guardian drones, variants of the iconic armed Predator drones, leased from the US.

Indian media reported that India is keeping track on Chinese vessel movements, amid the rapidly expanding collusiveness between China and Pakistan in the maritime domain.

The Chinese and Pakistan navies are slated to conduct the "Sea Guardians" joint maritime exercise in the northern Arabian Sea in November this year.

Reports suggest that Chinese anti-piracy escort force (APEF) of a destroyer, a frigate and a tanker in the Persian Gulf region have been joined by a Song-class diesel-electric submarine along with a support vessel for the forthcoming exercise.

The Times of India reported that a dual-purpose Chinese survey and research vessel, Shi Yan-6, also docked at Colombo on Wednesday despite concerns being raised by India.

It also said that in August, Chinese warship Hai Yang 24 Hao, with a crew of 140, had docked in Sri Lanka.

It went on to note that India in the past conveyed its strong objections to Sri Lanka over allowing Chinese naval and spy vessels to come to its ports, and the docking of Chinese research and space-tracking vessel Yuan Wang-5 at Hambantota in August last year had, in fact, led to a major diplomatic wrangle between India and Sri Lanka.

The Times of India says that Chinese spy vessels, packed with large antennae, advanced sensors and electronic equipment, undertake snooping, monitor satellite launches and track trajectories of ballistic missiles test-fired by India in the Indian Ocean Region. 

It added that the survey vessels also map oceanographic and other data useful for navigation and submarine operations.

Chinese geophysical scientific research vessel, Shi Yan 6, which reached Sri Lanka on the 25th of October, continues to remain at the Port of Colombo.

The Deputy Harbour Master for Colombo said the vessel is expected to depart on Saturday, however, that is likely to change.

The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) said that it received permission from the Ministry of Defence to engage in research activity with the Shi Yan 6.

However, NARA was given a specific date or time to board the vessel.

Chinese geophysical scientific research vessel, Shi Yan 6, made global headlines, after India became concerned over its route to Sri Lanka.

India had also raised its concerns with Sri Lanka at the highest diplomatic level.

However, as planned, the Shi Yan 6, reached Sri Lanka on the 25th of October.