The French company flagged a particular Chinese research vessel that was in close proximity to Indian waters and was constantly present in the Indian Ocean. Representational image. Reuters
A Chinese ship operating near India’s eastern coast has raised eyebrows after reportedly hiding its presence for days. According to a new report, the vessel switched off its tracking system while navigating the Bay of Bengal—triggering fresh security concerns in the region.
French Intelligence Reveals Suspicious Activity
French maritime surveillance firm Unseenlabs uncovered the activity through a 16-day radio frequency (RF) survey of the Bay of Bengal. Their satellite-based tracking identified that nearly 10% of the 1,897 ships monitored during that period had disabled their Automatic Identification System (AIS).
Among these, one Chinese research vessel stood out.
While the ship wasn’t broadcasting any AIS signals, Unseenlabs said its RF signature remained traceable. This allowed analysts to monitor the vessel’s movement despite its efforts to remain hidden.
The company believes the ship’s intent was likely strategic.
“We suspect that this prominent Chinese research vessel was likely operating with strategic intent,” the report stated.
Operating Just Outside India’s Military Zone
The Chinese vessel was detected about 120 nautical miles off India’s eastern coast. That places it just outside India’s designated military zones but within close enough range to stir concern.
Although it technically operated in international waters, its proximity to sensitive areas and its attempt to remain undetected have caught the attention of Indian security forces.
According to the report, the vessel’s likely mission involved:
- Seafloor mapping
- Acoustic environment studies
- Identifying submarine transit routes
All these activities support underwater surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Growing Chinese Presence in the Indian Ocean
This isn’t the first time China has drawn attention in the region. Chinese research ships have made multiple appearances near Indian waters over the years. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard have consistently kept such vessels under watch.
What makes this incident different is the use of stealth tactics—especially disabling AIS, a move often associated with military operations or covert missions.
As China’s ties with Bangladesh deepen, maritime analysts believe Beijing’s interest in the Bay of Bengal could increase further. Naval experts say that while Chinese warships and submarines are already active in the Indian Ocean, the deployment of aircraft carriers to this zone is likely a matter of time.
India’s Maritime Boundaries Under Watch
India has long viewed the Indian Ocean Region as its strategic backyard. With foreign naval activity increasing, particularly by China, surveillance and maritime defense are likely to be scaled up.
While the Chinese vessel technically remained within its rights by staying in international waters, its deliberate attempt to avoid detection has amplified suspicions.
As tensions continue to simmer in Indo-Pacific waters, such incidents are a reminder of the silent but strategic maritime tug-of-war unfolding beneath the surface.
