In a remarkable display of humanitarian action and maritime cooperation, the navies of India and China collaborated on the high seas to aid in the search and rescue efforts of a sunken Chinese fishing vessel. On May 17, the Indian Navy swiftly deployed its Air Maritime Reconnaissance assets, specifically the P8I Poseidon aircraft, in response to the sinking of the Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028 vessel with 39 crew members on board.
Commander Vivek Madhwal, spokesperson of the Indian Navy, highlighted the extensive search conducted by the P8I aircraft amidst adverse weather conditions. Multiple objects believed to be associated with the sunken vessel were located, but unfortunately, all 39 crew members remain missing.
The crew comprised nationals from China, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In immediate response to the incident, search and rescue equipment was deployed by the Indian aircraft at the request of the Chinese PLA Navy ships that were closing in on the area.
The accident site of the Chinese vessel was situated south of the Maldives, approximately 900 nautical miles from the Indian coast and about 267 nautical miles from the strategically significant Diego Garcia base operated by the UK and US armed forces in the Southern Indian Ocean Region.
Demonstrating India's commitment as a reliable and responsible partner in ensuring safety at sea, the Indian Navy coordinated the search and rescue efforts with other units in the area and provided guidance to the PLA Navy warships heading to the incident site. The Indian Navy remains actively involved in ongoing search and rescue operations, offering all possible assistance.
This collaborative endeavor marks a notable moment as it is the first time the navies of India and China have cooperated on the high seas since the Galwan Valley clash in Eastern Ladakh in 2020. While tensions persist on land, this maritime cooperation signifies a significant step towards maintaining stability and safety in the region.
Although the Chinese PLA Navy has been expanding its presence in the Indian Ocean region, the Indian Navy remains vigilant and prepared to counter any potential challenges posed by China's growing influence. With 3-7 Chinese naval ships typically present in the Indian Ocean region, the Indian Navy diligently monitors their activities once they enter Indian maritime territory.
The P8I aircraft, nicknamed 'Hunters,' have been instrumental in tracking Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean, although such encounters are not officially acknowledged by either navy. The Indian Navy procured the P8I aircraft from US company Boeing in 2013, and as of the aircraft's 10th anniversary on May 15, it has completed over 40,000 hours of operations. Presently, the Indian Navy operates eight P8I aircraft deployed in the INAS 312 Squadron at INS Rajali naval air base in Tamil Nadu.
The INAS 312 Squadron, also known as 'Albatross,' has been at the forefront of naval operations, demonstrating exceptional capabilities in air, surface, and subsurface dimensions over the past decade. The squadron has played a vital role in safeguarding national interests and serving as the first responder in the Indian Ocean region. The recent assistance provided by the P8I aircraft in locating the debris of the sunken Chinese fishing vessel exemplifies the squadron's continued dedication and operational excellence.
As India and China navigate their complex bilateral relationship, this collaborative effort at sea highlights the potential for cooperation and coordination in times of crisis. It serves as a testament to the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and fostering mutual trust between neighboring nations, even amidst broader geopolitical challenges.
