India sets up naval base in Indian Ocean to counter China

India has built a new naval base on an island off its southwest coast as the Indian government seeks to strengthen its presence in the Indian Ocean amid concerns over China's growing influence in the strategic maritime region and strained relations with the Maldives.

According to the Voice of America news today, the new military base that India wants to build is called Jatayu, and it is located on Minikoi Island, the southernmost of India's Lakshadweep archipelago. The island is located on the main trade route and will be India's second naval base in the archipelago near the Maldives.

According to Indian news agency Tolas, Indian Navy Chief of Staff Hari Kumar, in a speech after the launch of the base on Wednesday, emphasized the need to recognize the need for increased surveillance through the base in the current process of geopolitical development.

The Indian side emphasized that the new naval base is part of efforts to strengthen the security infrastructure of the strategically important island.

Plans to build a new naval base were reportedly announced as the Maldives' new government, which came to power in November last year, began to approach China.

The Maldives Defense Ministry announced on March 5 that it had signed an agreement with China to provide military assistance to the Maldives, but did not disclose details. In addition, the Maldives also asked India to withdraw nearly 80 security personnel stationed in the archipelago, who are responsible for monitoring helicopters and other aircraft.