Heightened Military Exercises Due to Chinese Expansion

India and Australia are doing bilateral naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal in September. The military joint exercise is meant to be a show of force in response to a Chinese nuclear submarine, which sailed into the Indian Ocean last year. Chinese subs have also been seen in near Sri Lanka and Pakistan as well. The Chinese presence has motivated India to strengthen ties with Australia, Japan and the U.S.

The Australian High Commission in Delhi has stated that the exercises will include anti-submarine warfare and coordinated anti-submarine drills.

In October, the U.S., India and Japan will participate in week-long bilateral war game exercise in the Pacific. The ongoing military exercises in the region are due to growing concerns by U.S. allies because of China’s maritime expansion.

China has stated it is concerned about the increase of military exercises and said naval vessels are in the Indian Ocean simply to protect its interests. India responded that it reserves the right to strengthen its ties with the U.S., Australia and Japan