Indian Navy Warships Set Sail For South China Sea

Amid heightened tensions with Beijing post Galwan clashes, two Indian Navy warships have set sail to join US Navy destroyers in the disputed South China Sea. The vessels have been deployed all along the Indian Ocean, especially the Malacca Straits as it is used by China to move goods. It has been reported that during the deployment in the South China Sea, where the American Navy had also deployed its destroyers and frigates, the Indian warships were continuously maintaining contact with their American counterparts over secure communication systems. The Navy also has plans to urgently acquire and deploy autonomous underwater vessels and other unmanned systems and sensors to keep a close eye on the movement of the People's Liberation Army Navy from Malacca Straits towards the Indian Ocean Region, a report by news agency ANI said. This is a significant development as the Indian Navy has previously refrained from getting involved in the South China Sea where Beijing has been expanding its presence since 2009 through artificial islands and military presence.