An Indian submarine has docked in Indonesia for the first time ever, which is among the nations locked in a maritime dispute with Beijing in the contentious South China Sea. The Indian submarine INS Sindhukesari has docked in Indonesia as part of the continuing overall diplomatic and military outreach to ASEAN countries. Notably, Indian warships often visit Indonesia and other ASEAN countries, but this is the first long-range deployment of a submarine by New Delhi. India’s increased focus on defence ties with south Asian nations comes amid growing Chinese aggression and Xi Jinping’s expansionist plans.