Preparedness is the key

China’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarine — a sleek 093 Shang-class vessel — was spotted 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 in 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 which protected Pakistan. 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 involved Pakistan in its bear hug. The only response India needs to shape for its own good is to build up its naval strength quickly.