New Delhi: In view of ensuring the security of the Indian Ocean Region, certainly in the southern tip, experts who have been watching the movement of China in the IOR is urging the centre to keep its IOR neighbours intact.
China is not only making tussles with India in the Line of Actual Control (LAC), it is also focusing it expand its base in the IOR, according to experts.
N Sathyamoorthy, a distinguished fellow, Observer Research Foundation, said, “Feydhoo Finolhu resort island in Maldives and Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka are the two places where China has its territorial possessions. Also, China is investing in the multi-crore Mattara the international airport, Colombo Port City and Expressway projects. These are the alarming developments that India should be aware of and cautious about.”
He further pointed out China had obtained Feydhoo Finolhu resort for 50-year-lease with a payment of $4 million during President Abdulla Yameen regime.
“China obtained the Hambantota port area for 99-year-lease,” he added.
Sathyamoorthy who pointed out these movements of China in Sri Lanka and the Maldives urged the centre to initiate dialogues with our neighbours to tighten the relationship.
“Although India is working in Triconamallee port in Eastern Sri Lanka along with Japan and Singapore, it is essential to keep the flock together. It is remarkable that how china was credible in its eastern sea belts. So, Beijing may stress the smaller IOR countries against us. So, India is in a position to keep dialogues with the international countries not only for its sake but also for it neighbours,” he added.
It is noted already China had set up a naval base at Djibouti in the East African Sea region. The military base was set up in 2017 as a logistic support unit and later upgraded as a full-fledged naval base with 1120 pier with which China can berth its warships. From there, China can easily reach its island base in the Maldives.
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