Given China’s blue water ambitions, and the rapid build up of its new generation of strategic and tactical nuclear submarines, it was only logical that a new naval base with composite facilities had to come up. Hainan island due to its strategic location was a good choice and surprise cum security were maintained despite it being a popular tourist destination.

India is about 10 years behind China with regard to strategic nuclear powered submarines with a capability to launch intercontinental range ballistic missiles while submerged. There is a similar gap with respect to tactical nuclear powered submarines and shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure in general. If India has to reduce this ‘strategic gap’, and avoid any more unpleasant strategic surprises, some drastic measures will need to be taken, not only to revamp our DRDO, but also our higher defence planning apparatus. Strategic deterrence and ballistic missile submarines cannot be purchased and have to be designed and produced by our scientists and shipyards — the only exception being China’s supply of missile and nuclear weapon technology to Pakistan.

The writer, a vice admiral and former nuclear submariner, retired from the Indian Navy in 2007 as Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Eastern Naval Command