China tests long-range ballistic missile in Pacific Ocean:Experts say the weapon could create problem for India

China has tested a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the Pacific Ocean. The test has been labeled as a matter of great security concern by the United States, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. However, experts believe that this is not just a matter for the Pacific region, but a sign of China’s increasing military aggression in the Indo-Pacific, which could directly impact India’s security strategy. According to defense experts, the test likely involved China’s new-generation JL-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile. This submarine is considered capable of carrying nuclear weapons and has a range that makes it capable of hitting targets thousands of kilometers away, all while staying within China’s maritime territory. China is calling it a regular military exercise, but regional countries say it will intensify military competition in the Indo-Pacific. Why is this a concern for India India’s biggest concern is China’s growing maritime presence. In recent years, Chinese naval submarines have been spotted multiple times in the Indian Ocean. China’s activity at the military base in Djibouti, Pakistan’s Gwadar port, and Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port is already a strategic challenge for New Delhi. If China deploys more modern and quieter nuclear submarines, both its military reach and influence in the Indian Ocean region could increase. China’s presence in the Indian Ocean is continuously increasing Until now, China’s focus was considered to be on the South China Sea and Taiwan, but in the last few years, its nuclear submarines have also been regularly seen in the Indian Ocean. China’s military base in Djibouti, access to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, and influence over Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port are already strategic challenges for India. If China’s new submarines are equipped with stealth and long-range missiles, they could target most parts of India even from the Indian Ocean. Impact on India’s nuclear deterrence balance India’s nuclear policy is based on Credible Minimum Deterrence and No First Use. If China rapidly increases its sea-based nuclear capabilities, India will also have to rapidly strengthen its nuclear submarines, long-range K-4 and K-5 missiles, and maritime surveillance network. Challenge on two fronts India is already facing China on its northern border and Pakistan on its western border. If China also increases its capabilities on the maritime front, India may have to increase military resources on all three fronts: land, air, and sea. Strategic importance of Andaman and Nicobar will increase India’s Andaman and Nicobar Command monitors the Malacca Strait. With increasing Chinese submarine activities, India will have to further strengthen its capabilities in Anti-Submarine Warfare, drones, and P-8I surveillance aircraft, in addition to increasing maritime surveillance. QUAD and Indo-Pacific partnership will strengthen Due to China’s increasing military activities, QUAD cooperation among India, the US, Japan, and Australia could be further strengthened. Maritime security, intelligence sharing, and the frequency of joint naval exercises may increase. Why is China continuously increasing its military power? According to experts, China is increasing pressure on Taiwan, wants to challenge the US in the Pacific region, is strengthening its nuclear deterrence, and wants to increase military influence in the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, China wants to change the global strategic balance in the future through sea-based nuclear power. What is India doing? India is already working on increasing its maritime power. The steps India is taking in this direction include the development of nuclear submarines like INS Arihant and Arighat, K-15 and K-4 ballistic missile programs, P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft, expansion of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, and joint naval exercises (Malabar) with the US, Japan, and Australia under QUAD. ​