The Indian Navy on Thursday said it was keeping a close vigil as China accelerates delivery of advanced submarines to Pakistan, a move seen as Islamabad’s bid to shake up the regional naval balance.

The Navy’s vice chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan said it’s maintaining operational readiness. “We are aware that China is supplying submarines and ships to Pakistan. We are monitoring everything closely, and the Indian Navy is fully prepared,” he stated.

Pakistan is set to induct eight Hangor-class diesel-electric submarines under a $5 billion deal with China. The programme, first inked in 2015, includes four boats built in China and four assembled in Pakistan. The first submarine was launched in April 2024, followed by two more this year. All eight are slated for delivery between 2022 and

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