A Chinese research vessel has been detected operating in the Bay of Bengal, near Indian waters, raising concerns about potential surveillance and strategic implications for India. The vessel attempted to conceal its location by disabling its Automatic Identification System (AIS).

The French maritime intelligence firm Unseenlabs, which uses satellites to track ships, detected the Chinese vessel. Unseenlabs tracked the vessel using radio frequency (RF) emissions during a 16-day survey in the Bay of Bengal. The company found that nearly 10% of ships in the area were operating without an active AIS, which raises concerns about covert activities.

The Chinese vessel was reportedly mapping the seafloor and analyzing underwater sounds. These activities are linked to surveillance and anti-submarine warfare preparations. Identifying submarine transit routes is critical for anti-submarine operations that could target Indian and US navies. The vessel operated approximately 120 nautical miles from Indian "military zones".

This "hidden" operation highlights China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean and has sparked security concerns. The increased Chinese activity and growing Sino-Bangladesh ties add another layer of complexity to the situation. Indian forces are closely monitoring these developments amid rising maritime rivalry in the region.