India Aims to Counter China With This Nuclear Submarine Base | WSJ

Summary

India is building a multi-billion-dollar base, INS Varsha, on the Bay of Bengal to protect its growing fleet of nuclear submarines and counter China's expanding naval presence in the region. The base's underground facilities will provide protection against surveillance and enhance India's military capabilities. As China strengthens its hold through infrastructure projects like the Belt and Road initiative and builds naval bases in neighboring countries, India seeks to maintain a strategic edge. The competition for influence in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal remains a critical point of tension between the two nations.

Takeaways

• 😀 India's INS Varsha base, located on the Bay of Bengal, is designed to protect its growing fleet of nuclear submarines.
• 😀 The Bay of Bengal is strategically important as it is near critical shipping lanes that carry 30% of global trade and 80% of China's oil imports.
• 😀 China has invested heavily in commercial ports and military facilities in the Northern Indian Ocean, increasing its naval presence in the region.
• 😀 China’s Belt and Road initiative is part of its strategy to create access points for its navy, allowing more prolonged deployments in the Indian Ocean.
• 😀 India's response to China's growing naval presence includes the development of INS Varsha, which features underground docking facilities for submarines.
• 😀 The underground docking capabilities at INS Varsha provide protection against surveillance and offer strategic advantages.
• 😀 INS Varsha’s location provides India with proximity to Indian air bases and local naval superiority over China in the region.
• 😀 India's new nuclear submarines, such as the INS Arighat, can carry long-range ballistic missiles, putting Chinese military assets in the region within range.
• 😀 While India has fewer nuclear submarines than China, geography and the operational range of Indian submarines are key factors in the balance of military power.
• 😀 Despite growing tensions between India and China, especially in the Indian Ocean, both countries have agreed to deescalate tensions on the Himalayan border.

Q & A

What is INS Varsha and why is it significant for India?

INS Varsha is a multi-billion dollar naval base being built in the Bay of Bengal. It is designed to protect India's growing fleet of nuclear submarines and offers significant tactical advantages, including underground docking facilities for submarines. The base is part of India's strategy to counterbalance China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean region.

How does the Bay of Bengal play a strategic role in global trade?

The Bay of Bengal lies north of the Strait of Malacca, a critical waterway through which about 30% of global traded goods pass. Additionally, around 80% of China's oil imports traverse this narrow choke point, making the region highly significant for both economic and military reasons.

What is the role of the Strait of Malacca in international conflicts, particularly in relation to China?

The Strait of Malacca is a vital passage for global trade, and its control is seen as strategically important. It is a potential flashpoint in any conflict over Taiwan or the South China Sea. China is concerned about the possibility of conflict in this area, particularly with the United States Navy or the Indian Navy.

How has China attempted to strengthen its presence in the Northern Indian Ocean?

China has been expanding its naval presence in the Northern Indian Ocean by investing in commercial ports and military bases through its Belt and Road Initiative. These include ports in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, and China has also assisted Bangladesh in building its first full-fledged submarine base, BNS Sheikh Hasina.

What are the key features of the BNS Sheikh Hasina naval base in Bangladesh?

The BNS Sheikh Hasina naval base, inaugurated in 2023, is Bangladesh's first fully operational submarine base. It is part of China's growing military influence in the region, and at least one of Bangladesh's two Chinese-made submarines is stationed there.

What tactical advantages does INS Varsha offer India?

INS Varsha offers India several tactical advantages, including its location near Indian air bases and its relative proximity to the Indian Navy's strong presence in the Bay of Bengal. It is also strategically positioned in a region where India's territorial control or alliances with neutral countries provide a buffer against China's influence.

What is the significance of underground docking at INS Varsha?

The underground docking facilities at INS Varsha are crucial for protecting India's nuclear submarines. These tunnels provide protection from both hardening against attacks and from enemy surveillance, which is vital for maintaining the security of India's strategic assets.

How many nuclear submarines does India currently have, and what are their capabilities?

India currently operates two nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), the Arihant-class submarines. The newest one, INS Arighat, can carry up to 12 ballistic missiles with ranges of around 430 miles or up to four missiles with a range of over 2000 miles, making Chinese bases in Hainan within range.

How does China's nuclear submarine fleet compare to India's?

China currently has 12 nuclear submarines, significantly outnumbering India's fleet of two. However, experts suggest that comparing the number of submarines alone doesn't fully represent the military balance, as geography and mission objectives also play a critical role in the effectiveness of these platforms.

What are the long-term implications of China's naval expansion in the Indian Ocean?

China's expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean, supported by its investments in ports and military facilities, could enable the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) to sustain a more credible military presence in the region. This may allow China to become a more significant military power in the Indian Ocean, challenging India's traditional dominance.