The Indian navy has announced its reinforcement of forces on islands deemed “strategically important” in close proximity to the Maldives. A new naval base, slated to commence operations just days before the Maldivian government initiates the repatriation of Indian forces, aims to extend New Delhi’s “operational surveillance” in the region.
Tensions between India and the Maldives have escalated following the electoral victory of pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu, who pledged to expel Indian forces. Concerns about China’s increasing influence in the archipelago, strategically positioned along crucial east-west international shipping routes, have prompted India’s move, as outlined in a navy statement on Saturday.
In response to Muizzu’s request for the withdrawal of 89 security personnel responsible for operating reconnaissance aircraft, the first batch is scheduled to depart by March 10, with the complete withdrawal expected within two months.
The upcoming base, set to open on March 6 on India’s Lakshadweep islands, will transform an existing small detachment into an “independent naval unit,” according to the navy’s announcement.
Situated approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of the Maldives, India’s Lakshadweep islands will host the new naval base on the island of Minicoy, positioned at their nearest point.
While India’s navy already maintains a base on the Lakshadweep island of Kavaratti, the new facility will be approximately 258 kilometers (160 miles) closer to the Maldives. Described as the southernmost island in Lakshadweep, Minicoy holds strategic importance by controlling vital sea lines of communication, as highlighted by the navy.
The navy emphasized that the base’s objectives include enhancing anti-piracy and anti-narcotic operations, forming part of a broader policy to gradually strengthen security infrastructure on islands of paramount strategic significance.
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