China ramps up 'research' ship presence in Indian Ocean: Are these vessels masking military intent near India?

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China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean through so-called research vessels is emerging as a serious strategic concern that India cannot afford to ignore. Recent tracking data and open source intelligence, as cited by some X users, claim to show multiple Chinese ships such as Shi Yan 6, Shen Hai Yi Hao, Lan Hai 201 and Lan Hai 101 operating or heading towards areas near Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Diego Garcia.

While Beijing describes these vessels as engaged in oceanographic or aquaculture research, experts and defence officials have repeatedly warned that these ships often carry dual-use capabilities with direct military implications.

A third Chinese Research vessel is now in the Indian Ocean region, 'Shi Yan 6' - capable of geophysical ocean research is heading to Mauritius, while 'Shen Hai Yi Hao' & 'Lan Hai' have begun surveys in the region pic.twitter.com/K3l3be3Z7n

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The Indian Navy and the Ministry of Defence have earlier flagged Chinese survey ships as potential intelligence gathering platforms. According to a report by the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, oceanographic survey vessels can map seabeds, track underwater terrain and collect acoustic data that helps submarines navigate stealthily. This information is critical for anti-submarine warfare and undersea military operations. The concern is that data collected under the guise of scientific research directly enhances China’s naval combat readiness in the Indian Ocean Region.

Shi Yan 6, one of the vessels currently moving towards Mauritius, is a well-known Chinese research ship operated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. However, strategic analysts at Observer Research Foundation and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies have noted that such vessels regularly operate in sensitive maritime zones where major sea lanes, undersea cables and defence installations exist. India’s worry is not theoretical. Similar Chinese ships had earlier docked in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, triggering strong objections from New Delhi.

Sri Lanka remains a particular flashpoint. Beijing’s repeated use of Lankan ports for Chinese vessels has already strained trust between Colombo and New Delhi. The docking of Chinese surveillance ship Yuan Wang 5 in Hambantota in 2022 had caused diplomatic friction, with India warning that such visits affected its security interests. The movement of Lan Hai 101 towards Sri Lanka now revives similar concerns, especially since the island nation sits close to India’s southern coastline and vital naval routes.

The increased activity around Diego Garcia also adds a strategic dimension. This area hosts joint US-UK military facilities and is central to Western naval dominance in the Indian Ocean. China’s survey focus in this region signals a broader ambition to challenge existing power balances. Analysts from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute have stated that Chinese oceanographic missions often precede greater military deployment and strategic positioning.

From India’s standpoint, this pattern fits Beijing’s long-term strategy of expanding influence through what is often termed as the String of Pearls. This refers to China’s growing network of ports, logistical bases and maritime footholds extending from the South China Sea to the Arabian Sea. The presence of these research vessels complements China’s port investments in Gwadar, Hambantota and Kyaukpyu, giving Beijing both commercial and military leverage.

Indian defence planners view this as a clear attempt to normalise Chinese naval presence in waters traditionally considered within India’s strategic space. The Indian Navy has consequently enhanced surveillance in the region through P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and increased joint exercises with partners such as the United States, France and Japan under strategic groupings like the Quad.

Security analysts from ORF have stressed that India must treat the rise in Chinese maritime research activity as part of a broader military strategy rather than isolated scientific ventures. The data these ships collect today could be used tomorrow for submarine deployment, missile routing and undersea warfare operations.

China’s repeated insistence that these missions are purely civilian lacks credibility when seen against its pattern of militarising the South China Sea and expanding naval power rapidly. Beijing’s actions signal intent far more clearly than official statements.

For India, this is not just about monitoring ships on a map. It is about preserving sovereignty, securing maritime trade routes and protecting strategic assets. Failure to respond proactively risks allowing China to reshape the security architecture of the Indian Ocean to its advantage.