Aware of Pakistan Navy's 'surprising growth' with China's help, India 'closely monitoring' activities, says Navy Chief Admiral Tripathi

“We are keeping a watch on extra-regional forces, including the PLA Navy, their warships and their research vessels, and know what they are doing and where they are,” said Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi

Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi

Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi on Monday said that India is aware of the “surprising growth” of the Pakistan Navy, which is being supported by China, and that New Delhi is “closely monitoring” their activities.

“We are keeping a watch on extra-regional forces, including the PLA Navy, their warships and their research vessels, and know what they are doing and where they are,” Times of India quoted Admiral Tripathi as saying.

The Navy chief also mentioned that Pakistan is currently building 62 ships and one submarine to enhance its naval power.

On China’s role in strengthening Pakistan’s maritime capabilities, Admiral Tripathi said that it reflects Beijing’s interest in bolstering Pakistan’s military strength.

“Many Pakistan navy warships and submarines are being built with Chinese support showing that China is interested in making Pakistan’s navy stronger,” he said.

He added that the eight new submarines will significantly boost the combat potential of the Pakistan Navy, but India is fully aware of their capabilities.

“That is why we are tweaking our concepts to be able to tackle all threats from our neighbours,” he was quoted as saying by ToI.

Admiral Tripathi said that Pakistan has chosen weapons over the welfare of their people.

“We are aware of the surprising growth of the Pakistan Navy which aims to become a 50-ship Navy. They have chosen weapons over the welfare of their people,” he added.

Meanwhile, the navy chief announced that India intends to finalise separate agreements for the acquisition of 26 naval Rafale fighter aircraft and three additional Scorpene submarines in January.

Admiral Tripathi said the government approval has been given for the construction of two nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs), with plans to eventually have six of these vessels in operation. He mentioned that the first SSN is expected to be completed by 2036-37, followed by the second in 2038-39.

Rafale Marine is at an advanced stage of negotiations and it is only one level short of taking it to the Cabinet Committee on Security. Since it is a government-to-government deal, it should not take much time,” he was quoted as saying.

The defence ministry sanctioned the acquisition of Rafale-M jets from France in July 2022, primarily intended for operations from the domestically constructed aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

“We expect that if not this month, then next month hopefully, both these (Scorpene submarine) and Rafale-M (project) should be signed,” he confirmed.