اردو(Urdu) English(English) عربي(Arabic) پښتو(Pashto) سنڌي(Sindhi) বাংলা(Bengali) Türkçe(Turkish) Русский(Russian) हिन्दी(Hindi) 中国人(Chinese) Deutsch(German)
Saturday, February 15, 2025 21:16
Question of Palestine Eternal Wisdom: Iqbal Building Futures: Empowering Pakistan's Youth for Tomorrow Tourism: An Essential Element for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Connecting Youth to Global Opportunities Algorithms: The Silent Architects of Warfare Pakistani Youth: The Driving Force for National Progress Investing in Future Generations: Pakistan Army Lost Voices: The Systematic Marginalization of Indian Muslims Parallel Struggles: Examining the Palestinian and Kashmiri Quests for Self-determination Emergence of BJP as a Hindutva Force The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Transforming Pakistan Building Sustainable Cities: Urban Search and Rescue Preparedness Simulation Exercise In the Pursuit of Happiness: Understanding Hedonia, Eudemonia, and Naikan COAS’ U.S. Visit: Strengthening Ties and Fostering Collaboration A Biological Marvel of Human Heart Educational Empowerment: FC Balochistan (North) Initiates Literacy Program for Soldiers Digital Pakistan Journey: Pioneering Towards a Connected Future Driving Digital Transformation: Pakistan CJCSC Calls on His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussain During His Visit to Jordan COAS' Peshawar Visit Highlights Security, Socioeconomic Development and National Unity Unity in Diversity: COAS Joins Christmas Celebrations with Christian Community in Rawalpindi Chief of the Naval Staff Attends Indian Ocean Naval Symposium in Bangkok Strengthening Bonds and Elevating Collaboration: Combat Commander Turkish Air Force Calls on Chief of the Air Staff Closing Ceremony of Multinational Special Forces Exercise Fajar Al Sharq-V Strengthens Counterterrorism Collaboration Off the Beaten Track: Exploring Jiwani's Coastal Marvels and Heritage Special Investment Facilitation Council: A Game Changer for the Economy of Pakistan Rising Stars: Pakistan’s Youth Shines Bright in 2023 Indian Supreme Court’s Decision and the International Law Challenges to Justice: The Indian Supreme Court’s Fallacy in IIOJK Belt and Road Initiative: Strengthening Global Ties with Unhindered Trade and Connectivity The Media Matrix: Unraveling How Technology Shapes Our Perception Decoding Human Interaction: The Comprehensive Guide to Reading Body Language The Magic of Moscow On the Same Wavelength: Suno FM's Impact on Community Empowerment, Diversity, and Social Progress in Pakistan The Journey of SAIL: A Beacon of Hope for Autism in Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan National Youth Convention 2024: COAS Stresses Youth's Vital Role, Urges Unity, and National Strength Vice Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Calls on COAS COAS Attends Inauguration Ceremony of the Second Chapter of NASTP Silicon PAF's Induction and Operationalization Ceremony Showcases Technological Advancements and Operational Excellence COAS Witnesses Firing of Different Air Defense Weapon Systems During Exercise Al-Bayza-III, 2024 COAS Visits POF Wah, Highlights Importance of Indigenous Defense Industry Exercise Sea Guard-24: Strengthening Maritime Security Al-Noor Special Children School and College Celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023 in Multan Garrison Exercise BARRACUDA-XII: Strengthening Global Cooperation for Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection Pakistan-Qatar Joint Aerial Exercise "Zilzal-II" Held in Qatar From Breakthroughs to Global Leadership—The Next Chapter Keeping the Promise Alive: Self-Determination for the Kashmiris Pakistan in 2025: Challenges and Opportunities One Year of Unwavering Resolve: Performance of SIFC in 2024 Changing Global Dynamics and Pakistan Addressing Pakistan‘s Climate Crisis: A Security Perspective Subsurface Competition in the Indian Ocean Sands, Sea, and Stories: Why Pakistan’s Coastline Deserves the Spotlight Strategic Diplomacy, Tariffs, and Global Implications Obligations of the Parties to the Genocide Convention Empowering Future Generations: Education as a Catalyst for Progress in Pakistan’s Context Building a Sustainable Future Integrating ESD into Pakistan’s Education System Integration of Cultural Intelligence into Strategic Decisions for Export Promotion From Battlefields to Exhibits: The Story Behind the Army Museum Lahore The Forgotten Melodies: Legacies of Pakistan’s Musical Maestros CJCSC Visits Iraq to Strengthen Defense Ties COAS Visits Field Training Exercise Near Narowal and Sialkot 17th Chief of the Naval Staff Amateur Golf Cup 2024 Held at MGGC, Islamabad High Level Defense Delegation of Azerbaijan Calls on CAS International Day of Persons with Disabilities Celebrated at Al-Noor Special Children School, Multan 52nd National Athletics Championships-2024 Held at Ayub Stadium, Multan Garrison Counterterrorism Center Lehri Hosts Key Military Exercises Pak-China Joint Exercise Warrior-VIII Concludes Students and Faculty Experience a Day with Pakistan Army at Malir Garrison Al-Barq Punjab Hockey League Organized at Okara Garrison PNS Zulfiquar Enhances Regional Maritime Security through Humanitarian Assistance and Bilateral Exercises The Fifth Generation War and Propaganda Against the Armed Forces IIOJK: The Unbroken Cycle of Occupation and the Quest for Self-Determination The Cost of Silence: Global Implications of Ignoring Kashmir Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir: The Continuous Legacy of Imperial Boomerang The Need for Accountability: Indian Actions in Violation of International Law The Ideological Roots of India’s Political Shift: RSS, Hindutva, and Nationalism Public Value, Innovation, and the Digital Economy: Advancing National Development in Pakistan Foreigners Who Made Pakistan Their Home (Part I) The Sea of Opportunity: How Pakistan Can Leverage its Maritime Strength Cultural Connections: Enhancing Public Diplomacy Between Pakistan and Azerbaijan Gwadar‘s First Flight: A Gateway to Balochistan‘s Prosperity Through CPEC Strategic Vision: Jinnah‘s Global Knowledge and Its Role in Pakistan‘s Founding The Ordeal of Lieutenant Wain The Visionary Politician Who Helped Shape Pakistan‘s Destiny: Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan (Part I) The Collapse of Certainty: Fake News and the Erosion of Truth (Part I) Digital Shadows: The Hidden Threat of Disinformation Targeting Pakistan Defending the Digital Pakistan: Strengthening Cybersecurity in a Growing Online Ecosystem Armed Forces of New Uzbekistan: Strengthening National Security and Global Defense Readiness Guardians of the Seas: Pakistan Navy CJCSC Engages with Kuwait’s Leadership to Enhance Bilateral Defense Relations Chief of General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Calls on COAS Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh Calls on COAS COAS Reaffirms Commitment to National Security, Praises LEAs’ Efforts in Counterterrorism Operations CNS’ Visit to Bahrain Focuses on Expanding Defense and Maritime Collaboration CNS’ Visit to Oman Reinforces Historic Defense and Naval Ties Defense Delegation of Bangladesh Calls on CAS Faculty and Students of Bahauddin Zakaria University Visit Multan Garrison Cochlear Implant Activation Ceremony Held for Children of Al-Noor Special Children School at Okara Garrison PNS MOAWIN Delivers Life-Changing Medical Aid to East African Nations PAF Contingent Joins 'Spears of Victory-2025' Exercise in Saudi Arabia Pakistan's Indigenous EO-1 Satellite Set to Revolutionize Agriculture, Urban Planning, and Disaster Management
Advertisements

Hilal English

Subsurface Competition in the Indian Ocean

January 2025

As major powers vie for influence in the Indian Ocean, the escalating arms race in maritime assets, particularly nuclear-powered submarines, is reshaping regional dynamics. 



The rivalry between the Great Powers in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is impacting the dynamics of the region and most prominently, an arms race is being witnessed amongst the major countries. This is especially evident in the maritime domain, where preparations are underway to ensure naval presence in key locations and efforts are being made to counter the adversary’s actions. The U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, in contrast to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has the potential to contribute to increased competition, tensions, and regional divisions. It is based on forming small groups of like-minded nations to counter China’s growing influence, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. This has generated a sense of insecurity among countries in the region.
Submarines have been a critical asset for any maritime nation since their inception. Their inherent stealth capability makes them an economical platform for any navy. This is why there has been rapid development in submarine technology, with advancements by one country leading to further developments by rivals, resulting in increasingly lethal versions. For a nuclear-armed country, submarines are of immense value as they provide assured second-strike capability, particularly when they are both nuclear-propelled and nuclear-armed. This phenomenon is worth understanding. For example, if a country uses its nuclear capability against an adversary, the assured second-strike capability ensures that the country retains residual strength for a counterstrike. This, in turn, mutually deters adversaries from initiating a first strike, knowing that a submarine-based nuclear missile counterstrike can be expected. However, a nuclear submarine is most vulnerable when at home.
It is with this significance that, under the Indo-Pacific strategy, the U.S. and the United Kingdom (UK) are providing nuclear-powered submarines to Australia under the AUKUS deal. This deal violates the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), specifically clauses one and two, which prohibit the provision of nuclear technology by a nuclear-weapon state and the receipt of such technology by a non-nuclear weapon state, respectively. Since the U.S. and the UK are nuclear-weapon states and Australia is a non-nuclear weapon state, this arrangement is an aberration of the NPT's provisions. This move is likely to instigate, if not catalyze, the ongoing arms race in the region. The repercussions are clear, as China is increasing its maritime assets, particularly nuclear-armed submarines, with India following suit.
China has at least six operational nuclear submarines that can carry upto 12 ballistic missiles each. The country has been rapidly developing its navy, and the number of submarines is expected to increase in the future. As India has been designated as the "Net Security Provider" for the Indian Ocean, it is also focusing on developing its maritime assets. To this end, India has embarked on constructing nuclear submarines capable of carrying nuclear missiles. After its first nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed submarine, Indian Navy Ship (INS) Arihant, India inducted its second nuclear submarine, INS Arighaat, on August 29, 2024. While the first was deployed on the western seaboard, the new Arighaat is primarily meant for the eastern seaboard, the Bay of Bengal. INS Arighaat can carry missiles in two configurations: 12 missiles with a range of 405 nautical miles or 4 missiles with a range of 1890 nautical miles, covering China’s Hainan Island naval bases. Additionally, India has an ambitious plan to build at least six such submarines, which are needed to maintain a round-the-clock presence in areas of interest. It is important to understand that maintaining a round-the-clock presence requires three platforms of similar capabilities: one deployed, one prepared for deployment, and one undergoing maintenance. This implies that if India is building six submarines, it intends to maintain a continuous presence with at least one such platform on both the western and eastern seaboards.


The Indian Navy has faced repeated incidents, including fires on submarines and ships. The recurring nature of these problems, including the Arihant mishap, raises questions about adherence to safety protocols and the sustainability of India’s submarine force. Over the past decade, there have been at least 15 incidents involving major naval accidents, highlighting systemic issues within the Indian Navy. 


Moreover, India is building a nuclear submarine base on its east coast along the Bay of Bengal, named INS Varsha. This base has the facility of underground parking of submarines to protect them from the adversary’s surveillance and attack. This new base is close to many IAF airbases, which assure aerial protection. The Indian Navy also enjoys a kind of local superiority in the area due to benign, allied, and neutral countries in the vicinity of the base. India might have been instigated by the fact that China has built seaports in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. These ports are now frequently visited by Chinese Navy ships. China has also helped Bangladesh in constructing its first submarine base for the two submarines Bangladesh Navy operates. India must be perceiving the presence of Chinese submarines in its neighborhood, which has prompted it to construct its own base. Another important factor is the competition with China in the Bay of Bengal, which is crucial for Chinese trade. About 30 percent of the world’s trade and 80 percent of China’s trade passes through the Strait of Malacca via the Bay of Bengal. To protect this significant trade route, the Chinese Navy is vigilant in this area, and so too will the Indian Navy be, as mandated by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy.
The Indian Navy has had a chequered history in operating modern defense equipment. The fact that Indian submarines have been detected four times by the Pakistan Navy over the last seven years is indicative of the unsatisfactory training standards to which Indian crews are subjected. In the year 2019, post Pulwama days, INS Arihant was detected by Pakistan Navy’s aircraft who could prosecute it but just chased it out of Pakistani waters. It may be remembered that submarines do not have defense against aerial platforms and once detected it can be a sure kill.


While India is embarked on an arms race, its ability to materialise the projects on time and then ensuring capable manpower to handle them safely is a big challenge that Indian Navy is confronted with.


In 2017, INS Arihant was flooded with saltwater, damaging much of its equipment and requiring year-long repairs to make it operational again. This incident is significant, as only one nuclear submarine was out of service for about a year, severely affecting the overall capability. But this is not the only issue. The Indian Navy has faced repeated incidents, including fires on submarines and ships. The recurring nature of these problems, including the Arihant mishap, raises questions about adherence to safety protocols and the sustainability of India’s submarine force. Over the past decade, there have been at least 15 incidents involving major naval accidents, highlighting systemic issues within the Indian Navy. Concerns are growing that INS Arighaat may face similar challenges, given that it is operated by the same quality of crews.
Non-professional handling of the equipment and platforms aside, there have been inordinate delays in construction of defence projects, indicative of weak technical skills and lack of expertise in developing advanced military platforms. INS Arighaat’s construction was also delayed by three years, pointing to a lack of expertise in managing high-tech platforms. Frequent delays and technical setbacks in the projects expose India’s limited ability to manage critical strategic assets. While India is embarked on an arms race, its ability to materialise the projects on time and then ensuring capable manpower to handle them safely is a big challenge that Indian Navy is confronted with. Although, subsurface competition in Indian Ocean is already on its way, there are inherent dangers in the hands of those who are unable to strike a balance between the urge to modernise and the capability to absorb it.


The writer is a Communication Strategist at the Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad.
E-mail: [email protected]