President Donald Trump confirmed the movement of the US submarines, citing escalating threats from Russia. Although the exact location of the deployment remains undisclosed, the move signals a clear message to adversaries in the region, especially as the United States continues to navigate heightened geopolitical rivalries with Russia and China. The deployment is likely part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring naval superiority and enhancing deterrence capabilities in critical waters.
The timing of the deployment aligns with rising tensions in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region. The US Navy’s presence in the area has been a point of contention for China, which has aggressively expanded its military footprint in the South China Sea, claiming most of the area despite competing territorial claims from other nations. As China continues to build artificial islands and fortify its military positions, the US has ramped up its naval presence, conducting freedom of navigation operations to challenge China’s expansive territorial claims.
In parallel, India has been increasing its naval posture in Southeast Asia. Three Indian Navy warships have arrived in the Philippines, underscoring New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening ties with regional allies. This deployment follows a series of joint exercises in the region, aimed at bolstering maritime security and strategic cooperation with key partners.
Another Indian naval ship is currently engaged in joint exercises with the Singaporean Navy. The drills focus on enhancing interoperability between the two nations' forces and strengthening maritime security in the region. India's growing naval footprint in Southeast Asia signals its intent to bolster its influence in the Indo-Pacific and counterbalance China’s expanding presence.
India’s strategy is multifaceted, balancing the need for strategic partnerships while asserting its influence in contested waters. The country’s increasing engagement with Southeast Asian nations, such as the Philippines and Singapore, comes amid a broader regional security environment characterised by competing territorial claims, particularly in the South China Sea. India’s navy has long been active in the region, and these deployments reflect its growing commitment to securing regional maritime lanes, vital for international trade and energy flows.
Both the United States and India are also sending a clear signal to China, which has recently undertaken assertive actions in the region. While Beijing has strengthened its military presence in the South China Sea, it has also engaged in naval exercises near Taiwan, further inflaming tensions in an already volatile region. China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific has prompted a stronger response from other regional powers, including the US and India, who are determined to maintain freedom of navigation and uphold international law.
India’s naval deployments are also seen as a message of solidarity with the Philippines, which has faced increasing Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. The Philippines has been vocal in its opposition to China’s claims, and India’s support through naval engagements strengthens the bond between the two nations. Similarly, the joint drills with Singapore highlight India’s commitment to its Act East policy, aimed at fostering deeper defence cooperation with Southeast Asian nations.
For the United States, the strategic aim of increasing its naval presence in the region is not only to counter China’s rise but also to reassure its allies in the region, including Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. The United States has long maintained a robust military presence in the Indo-Pacific, with numerous bases and alliances shaping its strategic outlook in the region. However, the increasing assertiveness of China has led to a recalibration of US military strategies, focusing more on maritime security and countering Beijing’s growing influence.