Indian media has reported plans by the country's government to build naval bases in Agatti and Minicoy Islands along with air bases to secure the vital sea lanes of communication.
The Minicoy Islands referred to as Maliku in the Maldives is just 524 kilometers away from the island nation.
Indian online newspaper Hindustan Times reported that 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 next month.
It further reported that the Indian Navy plans to hold the first phase of the Combined Commanders Conference on board Indian aircraft carriers with the two armadas traveling from Goa to Karwar to Minicoy Islands to Kochi.
The Maldivian government has not yet commented on the news of an Indian base so close to its shores. The relationship between the two countries remains tense after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu came into power in November last year.
The new administration wasted little time in demanding India to withdraw its troops in the country and India has agreed to withdraw the troops by March of this year.
Tensions further rose as reports emerged earlier this month (later confirmed by the Maldivian Defence Ministry) that Indian naval forces had stormed several Maldivian fishing vessels within Maldivian waters and threatened local fishermen on board the vessels.
is 524 kms, a stones throw away distance for you? India in it's own land can promote tourism and can construct naval bases.