Europe’s Most Powerful Warship Heads To India Amid China Aggression In Indo-Pacific

The imminent arrival in India of the most powerful European warship and also, an Italian junior minister of defence are signs of the West continuing its “pivot” to the Indo-Pacific that began with the United States of America several years ago.

The Charles de Gaulle, a 42,500 ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will be in India towards the middle of next month along with three other French warships for 3-4 days. The ‘CDG,’ the only nuclear-powered carrier in the world apart from the American super-carriers has been in India before and during the time the French battle-fleet is here, an exercise with Indian warships including one of the Indian aircraft carriers (INS Vikrant or INS Vikramaditya) and other warships is likely. The ‘CDG’ carries the naval variant of the Rafale, which the Indian Air Force has. The Indian Navy has also ordered the naval version of the Rafale and also, much-needed additional French-made Scorpene submarines.

The presence of the ‘CDG’ in the Indian waters is a sign that despite the continuing Russia-Ukraine war that has lasted over a thousand days with no end in sight, the concerns about the Indo-Pacific, particularly the increase in Chinese aggressive policies in the South and East China Seas, are there. The Americans are, of course, present in strength as they have important allies in the region, particularly Japan, South Korea and Australia. The concerns about Taiwan are also there.

The presence of an Italian junior minister of defence and an admiral along with the Amerigo Vespucci, a ‘tall’ ship (a sailing ship) that is used for training is more evidence of the pivot and also, growing defence ties between the two countries. India has, very pointedly lifted the ban on Leonardo, the huge defence conglomerate that is linked to Westland (there is an investigation regarding allegations of payoffs for the purchase of helicopters). It is a sign that both countries want to work closely in areas involving national security. A clear direction comes from the regular bilaterals between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.

source : timesnownews