India’s Navy Chief, Admiral R Hari Kumar, declares the South China Sea as a transparent hazard, echoing Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s name to counter China. Addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue, Admiral Kumar emphasises Beijing’s techniques within the South China Sea towards smaller neighbours. This assertion coincides with heightened tensions within the area, exemplified by Chinese ships ramming into Filipino vessels close to Manila. Concerns come up over China’s use of ‘gray zone’ techniques and its increasing presence and bases within the Indian Ocean Region, amplifying India’s apprehensions.