INS Mumbai docks in Colombo as three Chinese warships visit Sri Lankan port

While Indian and Chinese troops remain locked in a standoff in Ladakh since April 2020, the race for influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) continues. On Monday (Aug 26), Indian frontline warship, the guided-missile destroyer INS Mumbai docked at Colombo port.

The docking of INS Colombo coincided with the docking of three Chinese warships on the same morning.

Also watch |New Delhi's 'neighbourhood first' policy

The purported maritime show of influence by Beijing and New Delhi has sent some waves across the Indian Ocean Region.

"Chinese warships, including those part of its anti-piracy escort forces, are now staying in the IOR for a much longer time than earlier," an Indian defence establishment was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

"The expanding Chinese naval presence in the IOR, along with Beijing's hunt for additional logistical turnaround facilities in the region," the person further told Times of India.

The Indian naval forces tracked three Chinese warships since the beginning of their voyage in the Indian Ocean Region. Beijing sent destroyer Hefei, and landing platform docks Wuzhishan and Qilianshan with a combined crew of nearly 1,500 personnel, the Times of India report added.

As New Delhi continues its focus on 'Neighbourhood First' foreign policy paradigm, Colombo welcomed INS Mumbai. But Colombo also welcomed the Chinese warships in accordance with the "naval traditions". The warship is commanded by Captain Sandeep Kumar with a crew of 410 sailors.

In the past, New Delhi has registered strong protests with Colombo for allowing Chinese vessels to dock on its ports.