India has strategically deployed its research vessel, RV Samudra Ratnakar, in the waters off its eastern coast, positioning itself amidst two Chinese survey ships. This maneuver comes as tensions rise due to the presence of a Chinese military survey ship, Yuan Wang 3, operating in the same region.
The deployment of the RV Samudra Ratnakar, a sophisticated oceanographic research vessel operated by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), is widely seen as a potential countermeasure to China's survey activities.
The Chinese ships, XIANG YANG HONG 01 and XIANG YANG HONG 03, along with the Yuan Wang 3, are believed to be involved in activities such as tracking ballistic missiles, sparking concerns about their operations near India's strategic locations.
Although India has not officially confirmed the purpose of the RV Samudra Ratnakar's deployment, it's likely aimed at disrupting the data collection efforts of the Chinese vessels.
Capabilities of the RV Samudra Ratnakar
The RV Samudra Ratnakar is a formidable research platform. Built in South Korea by Hyundai Heavy Industries, the 103-meter long vessel boasts the following capabilities:- Extended missions of up to 45 days at sea.
- Accommodation for 73 personnel, including a team of 25 geoscientists.
- Advanced scientific equipment including:
- Positioning Systems (DGPS, Dynamic Positioning)
- Sonar Systems (Multibeam, Sub-bottom Profiler)
- Seismic Equipment (Multi-channel Seismic System)
- Magnetometers and Gravimeters
- Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
- Coring and Sampling Devices
- Marine Data Management System
Strategic Implications
This latest development underscores the ongoing friction between India and China, particularly in the strategically vital Indian Ocean.The incident highlights the growing competition for resources and influence within the region, with both nations vying to assert their presence.
