China’s Expanding Surveillance Footprint In Indian Ocean With 4th Spy Ship — And India’s Strategic Countermove | India News

China’s growing maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is entering an assertive new phase. According to reports, China has deployed a fourth so-called “research ship” to the region, signaling its continued interest in ocean areas critical to India’s national security. Lan Hai 101, the last ship officially tasked with deep-sea aquaculture research, is currently sailing for Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Shi Yan 6 proceeded towards Mauritius, while Shen Hai Yi Hao and Lan Hai 201 began research activities elsewhere in the region. Whether for seabed mapping, electronic intelligence (ELINT) collection or dual-use scientific missions, these ships form a coordinated presence at strategic chokepoints.

Four ships. Three different destinations. A clear message: China aims to be an established maritime power in the Indian Ocean, not just a visitor.

India Responds with Covert Deterrence

India did not remain passive in the face of this strategic encroachment. Indian Navy deployed its first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, to Sri Lanka accompanied by stealth frigate INS Udaygiri; this is an important move in both symbolism and flair.

The warships are participating in the International Fleet Review 2025 in Colombo, part of the Sri Lanka Navy’s 75th anniversary celebrations. This deployment marks the first overseas mission for both ships; this is a carefully calibrated signal of India’s increasing offshore maritime ambitions.

“This accession demonstrates the importance India attaches to peace, stability and security in the IOR through enhanced cooperation and interoperability,” a naval official told IANS.

By projecting its power through an Indian-made aircraft carrier combat component, New Delhi is reinforcing three strategic messages: India remains the primary security provider in the IOR.

Indigenous advances at sea are rapidly changing India’s maritime posture. Engaging neighbors diplomatically is key to countering China’s influence.

Another Chinese research ship, the fourth in recent weeks, has also set out for the Indian Ocean.

‘Lan Hai 101’ heads to Sri Lanka

through @detresfa_ pic.twitter.com/dy57HIvxUX— Dhairya Maheshwari (@dhairyam14) 28 November 2025

Why is Sri Lanka Important?

Sri Lanka is located on the maritime coast of the Indian Ocean, near critical sea lanes and just off the southern coast of India. Its ports are increasingly becoming geopolitical battlefields. The docking of China’s spy ship Yuan Wang 5 in Hambantota in the past highlighted this vulnerability.

This time, India’s presence is at the forefront.

Surveillance or Strategy Determination?

There is a well-documented pattern of Chinese research vessels: Mapping seabeds for future submarine operations, Gathering intelligence on military assets, Strengthening close logistics access to chokepoints.

Their arrival in clusters indicates coordinated military-scientific objectives, and the timing aligned with major regional naval events is unlikely to be a coincidence.

New Strategic Competition at Sea

The Indian Ocean is no longer an undisputed backyard for India. As China deepens its partnerships in Sri Lanka, Mauritius and the broader IOR, strategic contestations are shifting from land borders to oceanic expanses.

India’s naval diplomacy in Colombo reflects a proactive approach; It brings together influence with influence, existence with existence.

The next decade will be a test of whether India can maintain its strategic leadership in the maritime region as China continually strives to gain a foothold in waters vital to global trade and Indo-Pacific security.

For now, the message from both sides is clear: The Indian Ocean is becoming the newest arena of great power rivalry, and neither Beijing nor New Delhi is backing down.