India-Asean naval exercise concludes, China keeps watch

The maiden India-Asean naval exercise concluded in the South China Sea on Monday, even as China kept a watch on the manoeuvers with its maritime milita force.

Two Indian warships which took part in the exercise are now proceeding to their next port of call towards Vietnam. Sources said that as expected, China did keep a close watch on the exercise but there was no interference and the drills took place as planned.

While India has sent warships to the South China Sea in the past as well, this was the first such naval exercise with the ASEAN grouping. Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar had inaugurated the exercise along with Rear Admiral Sean Wat, Chief of Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy.