EXPLAINED | Can India outmanoeuvre Pakistan's new submarine threat in Bay of Bengal?

According to Zee News, the Pakistan Navy has commissioned the first of eight planned Hangor-class diesel-electric submarines. These vessels are being constructed in collaboration with China, marking a significant development in the maritime capabilities of the Pakistani fleet. The report states that the lead vessel successfully completed its delivery transit from China, passing through Colombo before arriving at its home port in Karachi.

The acquisition of these submarines is viewed by regional analysts as a strategic effort by Pakistan to enhance its underwater warfare capabilities in the Indian Ocean region. The Hangor-class program, which involves the construction of eight vessels, is part of a long-term defense agreement between Islamabad and Beijing. The deployment of these submarines is expected to influence the maritime security landscape in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

While the commissioning of the vessel has been highlighted as a major milestone for the Pakistan Navy, the broader implications for regional naval parity remain a subject of ongoing discussion among defense experts. The Indian Navy has historically maintained a significant presence in the region, and the introduction of new, modern submarine assets by neighboring powers often prompts a reassessment of maritime surveillance and defensive strategies. As of now, official statements from the Indian Ministry of Defence regarding specific countermeasures to this development have not been released.