Understanding India's Concerns over Coco Islands

Coco Islands: India–Myanmar Strategic Concern

Synopsis

Myanmar has assured India that no Chinese surveillance activities are taking place on the Coco Islands in the Bay of Bengal. However, India remains cautious due to visible infrastructure expansion on the islands, located less than 100 nautical miles from India’s Andaman and Nicobar region. Despite repeated Indian requests, Myanmar has not allowed an Indian naval visit. Intelligence inputs hint at possible Chinese-linked activity, reinforcing India’s vigilance over regional maritime security.

1. Where Are the Coco Islands Located?

The Coco Islands are situated in the northeastern Bay of Bengal, near India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and fall under Myanmar’s administrative control.

2. Why Are the Coco Islands Strategically Significant to India?

The islands lie close to vital sea lanes and India’s strategic naval assets in the Andaman and Nicobar region. Any foreign military presence could directly affect India’s maritime security and missile tracking operations.

3. What Has Myanmar Told India About Chinese Activities?

Myanmar’s military government informed India that no Chinese personnel are stationed on the Coco Islands and denied the presence of any Chinese surveillance facilities on its soil.

4. Why Does India Remain Concerned Despite Myanmar’s Assurance?

Satellite imagery shows major infrastructure development, including extended runways, new barracks, and connectivity with Kyaukpyu port, raising fears of potential Chinese involvement in intelligence operations.

5. What Is India’s Current Diplomatic Approach?

India continues to seek permission for naval visits through established diplomatic and military channels, emphasizing transparency and cooperation under the India–Myanmar defence dialogue framework.

6. How Does This Situation Relate to China’s Regional Strategy?

Analysts believe Beijing aims to expand its monitoring network across the Indian Ocean, tracking India’s missile and submarine activities. The Coco Islands could play a role in this broader plan if Chinese personnel operate there.

7. What Are India’s Countermeasures?

India has strengthened surveillance from its Andaman Command and enhanced cooperation with friendly regional navies to secure critical sea lanes and maintain maritime dominance.