New base likely to counter China’s influence
-: R Muthu Kumar :-
After a prolonged period of neglect, Indian military strategists are now convinced that Lakshadweep islands is a diplomatic asset in the Indian Ocean.
Lakshadweep has now gained traction as a strategic sentinel or maritime guardian as it can be powerful counter to China’s growing influence in neighbouring nations such as Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and Sri Lanka.
Planners are now beginning to mull the role of Lakshwadweep’s geographical location as a ‘strategic strongpoint.’
The geographical location of these islands provides a tactical advantage to India during conflicts. If the need arises, Lakshdweep can also be used as an ‘unsinkable aircraft carrier’ away from the coastline of India.
The Navy is planning to commission the new base during the commanders’ conference, which will be held aboard INS Vikrant and Vikramaditya next week.
Named INS Jatayu in Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep to “keep an eye on the activities of adversaries there”.
There is potential for India to develop dual-use facilities in Lakshadweep for military and civilian purposes. Airfields and naval jetties on the islands can be upgraded to accommodate more traffic and larger aircraft. Helipads can enable the quick movement of personnel and equipment across islands. Most islands already have accommodation, storage, and logistical facilities which the navy uses during training and patrols. These facilities can serve tourism and military needs alike, with most infrastructure coming from tourism industry.
The recent Lakshadweep-Maldives row is a god sent spark that has propelled defence and tourism pundits to take resolute steps to develop our island assets and inject and bolster India’s maritime muscles.
The global strategic and diplomatic talks revolves around the governance of oceanic waters for the management of threats arising from them as well as for the exploitation of their resources for the economic development of the countries capable of it.
And Lakshadweep is in centre of diplomatic attention as it can serve India as a strategic sentinel, maritime guardian and certainly as a diplomatic asset in the Indian Ocean.
The base would give a similar capability in the Arabian Sea like the INS Baaz positioned in the Andaman and Nicobar island territories in the east.
The Indian Navy would be operating both its aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, near Lakshadweep, which will be a first of its kind experience for the Navy in many years.
This would be the first time that INS Vikrant would participate in twin carrier operations alongside INS Vikramaditya.
The Navy is also planning to commission the MH 60 helicopters during a ceremony in the first week of March.
INS Jatayu at Minicoy islands is projected to be India’s sitting Aircraft Carrier in the high seas, with power projection potentials in the entire Arabian Sea and up to Malacca Straits, which is a major maritime entry route of merchant ships from the Pacific Sea and more specifically the South China Sea.
The nine-degree channel near Lakshadweep is the shortest route for ships connecting west and East Asia.
This can be effectively monitored from the Lakshadweep islands.
Lakshadweep development can be used by India as a bargaining chip while dealing with China-favouring Maldives.
The one-time claim of Maldives to Minicoy Island was resolved by the Maritime Boundary Treaty of 1976 between the two countries, whereby Maldives has recognized Minicoy as an integral part of India.
Secure and stable Island territories would be the launch pad for India to rediscover its great maritime and political influence in this region. A thoughtful and comprehensive defence-centric strategy would be the key to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by this picturesque archipelago.
