By Li Hongmei

A new naval base will be constructed near Rambilli on India's eastern coast to monitor the activities of China's navy in the Indian Ocean, according to the New Delhi-based Times of India.

The new base, known so far as Project Varsha, will be set up on the coast of Andhra Pradesh around 50 kilometers from the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command located at Visakhapatnam.

The main purpose of Project Varsha is to monitor the activities of PLA vessels in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean to counter "the potential threat" of the PLA's Shang-class nuclear-powered attack submarines and Jin-class nuclear-powered submarines with the ability to launch nuclear missiles based at Yalong on China's southern island of Hainan.

Fearing "the expansion of China's maritime power", India has been investing huge resources to defend its eastern coastline. New aircraft, vessels and drones have been deployed there at new forward-operating and operational turnaround bases.

After Project Varsha is completed, three nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and six nuclear-powered attack submarines will be stationed at the base.

Equipped with the "K" series of submarine-launched ballistic missiles, Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines will serve as the backbone of India's nuclear deterrent. The 8,140-tonne INS Chakra submarine on a 10-year lease from Russia will also move into the new naval base at Rambilli.

Due to the growing influence of China in the region, the Times of India suggested that the importance of Project Varsha may surpass Project Seabird, the construction of Karwar naval base on India's western coast, built to defend the coastline from the threat posed by Pakistan.