India’s Navy remains vigilant in monitoring Chinese vessels in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), with Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan announcing that every naval and research ship is under surveillance. This move comes as India prepares to host the International Fleet Review (IFR) and the biennial Exercise MILAN in February 2026, which will feature participation from 55 countries, including the United States and Russia, while deliberately excluding China and Turkey due to their previous support for Pakistan during recent conflicts. Vice Admiral Vatsayan emphasized that India is fully operationally prepared to address any contingencies amid increasing extra-regional naval activities in the IOR, which sees between 40 to 50 foreign ships at any given time. He reiterated that the ongoing Operation Sindoor against Pakistan remains active, underscoring India’s readiness to safeguard its maritime interests. The exclusion of China and Turkey from these events serves as a strategic warning and reflects India’s growing assertiveness in regional defense matters, highlighting the country’s commitment to acting as a responsible maritime power while ensuring stability in the IOR amidst geopolitical tensions. This approach not only showcases India’s naval capabilities but also reinforces its alliances with like-minded nations, solidifying its role in maintaining security in a critical global transit route.