India to build naval bases in Agatti and Minicoy Islands in Lakshdweep

New Delhi: To counter increasing Chinese influence in Maldives, India has decided to firmly extend its naval footprint in the maritime region by establishing naval bases in Agatti and Minicoy Islands in Lakshdweep along with air bases in order to secure the vital sea lands of communication.

The news of military push In Lakshadweep comes in wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the union territory which created ripples in neighbouring Maldives.

Government of India will be making a major maritime security statement when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on board INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant carrier task forces which includes nearly 15 warships will travel to Minicoy Islands with naval brass to inaugurate a naval base INS Jatayu on March 4-5.

The Indian Navy plans for hold the first phase of Combined Commanders Conference on board Indian aircraft carriers with the two armadas travelling from Goa to Karwar to Minicoy Islands to Kochi. The second phase of commanders conference will be held on March 6-7.

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