The Indian Navy is keeping a close eye on every ship entering the Indian Ocean region, including Chinese vessels, and is fully prepared to respond to any situation under its ongoing Operation Sindoor, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan said on Friday. His statement pointed to growing activity by China in the region and India’s readiness to safeguard its maritime interests.

Vice Admiral Vatsayan said the Navy currently has about 40 ships deployed across the Indian Ocean and is planning to raise that number to more than 50 soon. He was speaking at a press conference ahead of the International Fleet Review, which will be held in Visakhapatnam in February 2026.

"There is a continuous presence of extra-regional powers in the Indian Ocean region due to the ongoing situation; they've always been that and it's only increasing. At any given point of time, we have a minimum of 40 odd operating ships in the Indian Ocean, and we're going even beyond that," he said.

His remarks came as reports suggested an increase in the movement of Chinese vessels in the Indian Ocean, with some reportedly heading towards Mauritius.

"Just to assure you, we are monitoring each of one them, what they are doing and what they are likely to do, when do they come in and when do they go. The challenges remain, but it's certain that the Indian Ocean remains a main source of transit of goods and oil as far as the world is concerned, and that does not change," he said.

Sending a firm message to foreign powers, Vice Admiral Vatsayan said the Navy has clear plans in place to handle any situation. He confirmed that Operation Sindoor is active and will continue as part of India’s broader maritime strategy and defence exercises.

"Operation Sindoor is still on. The message to be conveyed with our ongoing exercises with foreign countries and our plans are in place without any hindrance. We are ready and deployed as part of Operation Sindoor at present and in future. It is ongoing, and we are also going forward with our military plans. That is a very simple message that we are looking at," he said.

The Indian Navy will host the International Fleet Review in February 2026 in Visakhapatnam, where President Droupadi Murmu will review the fleet on February 18. The event will, for the first time, feature the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant alongside the Kalvari class submarines, marking a major showcase of India’s growing naval strength.