The Indian Navy recently commissioned a new full-fledged air base in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. According to military officials, the new naval base can be used to keep eye on Chinese navy vessels and submarines entering into the Indian Ocean through the Malacca Straits.
Indian Naval Base at Andaman Island a Key “Cog in the Wheel” to Control Strait of Malacca
The Islands of Andaman and Nicobar are strategically located near to the waterway, joining the Pacific Ocean with the Indian Ocean through the Malacca Straits. With the rise of China-India naval forces in Asian countries and the successive US-Asia Pacific, Indo-Pacific strategies, the strategic importance of the islands are increasing day by day.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always focused on the infrastructure development on the Andaman and Nicobar islands. The western researchers anticipated that the islands may be turned into a major naval command base for Indian aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, and Sukhoi-30MKI fighters. The Indian infrastructure capabilities are visible in the northern border and the Indian Ocean Region.
India wants to build its military base in the natural islands. With this development, media reports are speculating that the new base will watch China and its warships in the Indian Ocean.
The relationship between India and China shows no sign of improvement, despite the informal meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Modi in Wuhan, Hubei Province last April. In the realm of globalization, China-US relations are filled with competitiveness. China thinks that India must sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty to gain entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group rather than pushing its own demands.
In terms of international relations, bilateral ties between India and China can create geopolitical competition and security dilemmas. The Indian Ocean is considered as the lifeline for China’s import and export of energy and commodities. In order to maintain international peace and security, all regional powers need a regional security system. India has already registered its presence in both South Asia and the Indian Ocean.
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