China’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarine — a sleek 093 Shang-class vessel — was spotted docked in Karachi last year by a satellite imagery expert who downloaded the image from Google Earth. The sub was also spotted later by others when it was moving out through waters off Singapore. Revelations confirm that China will pursue its own agenda in challenging not only India but also other powers in a show of dominance of the waters of the Indian Ocean. While the news of the sub being spotted too near home for comfort is alarming, what it means in terms of military strategy is the movement of Indian warships is under surveillance. Chinese submarines have in the past docked in Colombo too. That was considered alarming while Pakistan’s total cooperation with China lends this later incident no element of surprise.
China’s moves have invariably been aligned with its own interests as well as that of its axis of which protected Pakistan is a protégé. Whether it is in blocking at the UN the declaration of Masood Azhar as a terrorist or expanding its influence through the Gwadar port in Balochistan, it is clear that China has inextricably involved Pakistan in its bear hug. Ironically, China is making overtures to India to join the economic corridor as well as extending an invitation to a summer summit on its pet Silk Road Economic Belt. The only response India needs to shape for its own good is to build up its naval strength very quickly to acceptable operational levels. Rhetoric on all this can only provide the next day’s headlines. What is needed is a sustained national effort in being prepared.
