India seeks to take over island in strategically located Lakshadweep to shore up defence
“The objective is to transfer the island in Lakshadweep, which is in the northern Indian Ocean, to ‘relevant defence and strategic agencies of the government of India’, according to the notification.”
“The union territory of Lakshadweep is strategically perched amid maritime trade routes between the Malacca Strait, the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Hormuz.”
“India has a strong naval and coast guard presence in Lakshadweep. However, China’s investments in infrastructure, such as ports and a base in the African nation of Djibouti, and its incursions into the Indian Ocean are prompting India to strengthen its presence.”
“Lakshadweep’s proximity to important shipping lanes makes it a critical asset for India’s maritime security. It allows the South Asian country to monitor vital shipping lanes like the Nine Degree Channel in the Indian Ocean, which connects South-east Asia to the Middle East and Europe.”