South Asian News Network

India is developing a military base near the Maldives as part of a policy to improve security infrastructure on the islands. The Indian Navy has announced the establishment of a new camp on Lakshadweep Island, transforming the existing modest contingent into an autonomous naval force. The station will be placed around 258 kilometers closer to the Maldives, which is a key location for the Indian Navy. The facility will be located on Minikoy Island, the southernmost island in Lakshadweep, which serves as a key marine line of communication. The Indian Navy is concerned about China’s expanding presence in the archipelago and plans to increase its ‘information identification surveillance’ in the region. The first contingent of security troops will depart for India by March 10 and return within two months.