The move underscores the importance of protecting the Indian Ocean region through which 95% of the country’s trade moves amid a strong Chinese presence.

International power rivalry is playing out in the Indian Ocean region, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday, adding that a strong naval presence in the key trade route was his country's biggest priority.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has held talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, one month after visiting India on his first overseas trip since winning election in September

China's active participation in upcoming AMAN-25 naval exercise, hosted by Pakistani Navy, holds strategic implications for India in the Indian Ocean Region.

Global media also highlights India’s growing military presence in the Indian Ocean, with recent naval manoeuvres and ongoing tensions with China shaping its strategic stance.

The situation in the Indian Ocean region is challenging with the Chinese ... built aircraft carrier in 2022 to counter regional rival China’s much more extensive and growing fleet and expand ...