A recent report by the Parliamentary Panel on External Affairs highlights the substantial risks posed by China’s expanding naval presence and its strategic cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The panel emphasizes that China has surpassed the U.S. Navy in annual ship commissions, with significant advancements in its naval capabilities, including multiple aircraft carriers and submarines, which threaten India’s national security and strategic autonomy. The report advocates for India to adopt a proactive approach by bolstering its naval deterrence capabilities, enhancing maritime domain awareness (MDA) through advanced technologies, and deepening strategic alliances, particularly within the Quad framework, to counter the growing China-Pakistan naval nexus. Furthermore, the committee suggests exploring a more flexible security dimension within the Quad, recommending joint exercises and cooperative initiatives among its members to address the evolving challenges in the Indo-Pacific. The urgency for India to modernize its naval assets, including anti-submarine warfare vessels and nuclear-powered submarines, is underscored, reflecting a keen awareness of the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the IOR. Overall, the report underscores the necessity for India to strengthen its naval preparedness and foster closer maritime cooperation with regional partners to safeguard its interests against external threats.