Indian Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh on Thursday said that three Chinese warships are in the Indian Ocean Region.
While addressing the media Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh said: "As of now, three Chinese warships are in the Indian Ocean region. The Chinese have been maintaining three ships since 2008 for anti-piracy patrols."
Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singhsaid that the Indian Navy was prepared to face the dual challenges from COVID-19 and China, adding that they are determined to stand steadfast in these testing times.
“COVID-19 and Chinese attempts to change status quo along northern borders have posed new challenges. The Navy is prepared to face both these challenges,” Admiral Singh said at a press conference.
Admiral Singh further said that they have an SOP ready to tackle the situation if there is an infringement by Chinese research vessels.
Admiral Singh also said that the Navy’s activities are in “close coordination and synergy” with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.
“We have deployed the P-8I aircraft at various locations on the requirement of Army and Indian Air Force. In addition, we have deployed the Heron surveillance drones on the northern borders,” he said.
India and China have been locked in a bitter border standoff in eastern Ladakh since early May. So far, both the sides have held eight rounds of high-level military talks to end the impasse with no major headway.
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