China and India navies vie for influence in Indian Ocean amid border tensions. Illustration: Craig Stephens
China and India navies vie for influence in Indian Ocean amid border tensions. Illustration: Craig Stephens

China and India navies vie for influence in Indian Ocean amid border tensions

  • Beijing recently sent naval surveillance ships to the Indian Ocean in efforts to expand its regional influence, while India has increased its naval spending
  • Supremacy on the water comes as the two sides are locked in a border stand-off along the Line of Actual Control that separates the countries