However, the Navy Chief said that the threat is not new as China already has enough nuclear missiles that cover almost the entire world. “As you would be well aware of, the coverage of missiles which are held with China, cover virtually the whole world. So, you are already covered,” he said.

The latest satellite images of the Hainan Island, located 1200 nautical miles from the strategic Malacca Strait, had sent alarm bells ringing across the Indian security establishment after they revealed an advanced naval base complete with underground chambers and facilities to host nuclear-submarines. The images also showed a Jin Class SSBN armed with nuclear tipped ballistic missiles docked at the base.