Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether Government is aware of the report of the increasing Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Chinese have gained control of the Gwadar Port in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and are likely to develop facilities in Kyaukphyu in Myanmar and Bagamoyo in Tanzania;
(d) whether the Chinese have worked out an understanding with Tanzania to use Dares Salaam for its navy and facilities in Seychelles;
(e) whether Government has taken up the question of maritime security in the region with Beijing since development of these ports and facilities in the Indian Ocean by the Chinese have implications for India; and
(f) if so, the outcome of these discussions?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) to (f) Government is aware of Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean region including anti-piracy operations, deep sea mining exploration and execution of development projects. Government has seen reports that Chinese companies are involved in development of ports in Hambantota in Sri Lanka and Kyaukphyu in Myanmar on a commercial basis. Recently, management of operations of Gwadar Port have been taken over by a Chinese company. During the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Tanzania in March 2013, the two countries signed an agreement for the development of Bagamoyo Port. Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.

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