Mumbai: Indian Western Coast on High Alert: Surge in Chinese Vessels Sparks Espionage Concerns
Mumbai, 11th December 2023: Recent reports from the Indian Defence establishment have raised alarms about a significant increase in the number of Chinese vessels approaching closer to the coasts of Gujarat and Mumbai in the Arabian Sea. Intelligence sources suggest that these Chinese fishing vessels may serve dual purposes, functioning not only for their intended use but also potentially as mini spy ships gathering data on submarine locations, secret pipelines, and Indian port activities.
A senior naval commander affiliated with the Indian Naval Defence Advisory Group confirmed, “Most Chinese vessels strategically position themselves just outside the 200-nautical-mile mark, where India’s current Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) concludes.”
Responding to the sudden influx of Chinese vessels near Indian waters, the Indian Navy, specifically the Western Naval Command, has initiated close monitoring and deployed frontline warships. This move aims to counter any signs of China escalating activities in grey zones, mirroring tactics observed in the South China Sea.
Maritime experts have identified that many of the Chinese ships in question appear on the sanction list of the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the watchlist of Greenpeace, particularly near the Mumbai coast.
In response to the growing maritime concerns, India has submitted a petition to the United Nations (UN) to extend its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Arabian Sea, expanding it from the current 200 nautical miles to 500 nautical miles. The grey zone policy adopted by China in this region is viewed as a significant threat to India’s economy and national security along the west coast.
Senior officials from the Embassy of China in New Delhi have vehemently denied any incursion into the Indian exclusive economic zone. They assert that the intelligence reports are fabricated, and aimed at tarnishing the image of the People’s Republic of China.
