The Diplomat published on 10 February 2024 a commentary titled "What Does China Think About India's Increased Anti-Piracy Patrols Amid the Red Sea Crisis?" by Andrew Orchard, US Navy officer.
Ten or more Indian Navy ships with reconnaissance aircraft now patrol the western Indian Ocean. Between $235-240 billion worth of India's annual trade passes through the Red Sea. While Chinese experts understand the importance of Indian Ocean SLOCs to New Delhi, they are skeptical of New Delhi's intentions and see the increased Indian naval presence as an effort to control this region.
