Abhay Kumar Singh replies: In maritime geopolitics, the strategic salience of islands is defined by their location, which makes them vital for establishing a regional naval presence, and their proximity to sea lines of communications (SLOCs), which facilitates patrolling in the region during times of peace and conflict.
The Proposed PLA Naval Base in Seychelles and India’s Options
India must actively engage the island nations in the Western Indian Ocean and enhance the scope and deployment of the Indian Navy and its air aim in these waters.