NEW DELHI: A Chinese nuclear-powered submarine was reportedly docked at a port in Pakistan, sources privy to the development said here on Friday.

The Type 093 Shang submarine, docked at the Karachi harbour, is likely being used to scrutinize the movements of Indian warships far more closely than ever before at a time when China is competing with India for domination of the Indian Ocean.

Unlike conventional submarines, nuclear-powered submarines have an unlimited range of operations since their nuclear reactors rarely require to be refuelled. This means the submarines, which are armed with torpedoes and cruise missiles, can be deployed underwater for extended durations where they are difficult to track.

The Karachi image was spotted first by a satellite imagery expert and can be accessed by clicking on the historical imagery icon on Google Earth and scrolling back to May 2016.

The Chinese submarine at Karachi is estimated to displace 7,000 tonnes when it operates underwater and is armed with six torpedo tubes from which sophisticated anti-ship missiles can be fired. It's unclear if the submarine can also launch cruise missiles to hit targets on land. It is equipped with sophisticated SONARS to detect and lock on to enemy ships and submarines.

As China reacts, India retorts that it's not aimed at any nation

China reacts to India’s Agni-V test launch

Nepal is the next place where military drill will take place, says China