New satellite images of Myanmars Coco Islands in the Bay of Bengal, just 55 kilometres north of the strategically important Andaman and Nicobar Islands, have alarmed Indias intelligence apparatus.The images indicate that Myanmar may soon plan to launch maritime surveillance activities from Great Coco Island, the largest of the archipelago. Myanmars Coco Islands are no strangers to geopolitical interest in the region and have previously been a contentious topic among South Asian policymakers and scholars.The Chinese presenceIt is generally known that Myanmar, a turbulent nation in its own way, has allowed a Chinese military intelligence facility on the archipelago since the early 1990s. Despite having very little proof of its existence, other than a highly worn radar station, the islands have frequently drawn the interest of neighbouring governments. Signs of military modernisation and increased operation on the islands have appeared, and instead of the doubtful Chinese radar station, the islands may be acquiring infrastructure to facilitate aircraft movement, a very concerning transformation.Images from January 2023 by Maxar Technologies, a satellite imagery company, show increased construction works on Great Coco Island. Two new hangars, a new causeway, and what appears to be an accommodation block are visible, all in close proximity to a newly enlarged 2,300-metre runway and radar station. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer strategic depth for Indias Eastern Fleet in the Bay of Bengal and control approaches to the Malacca Straits. Therefore, disregarding any development near them may result in losses for India in the future.New developments in the Great Coco islandThere was also evidence of land clearing works on the southern point of Great Coco, adjacent to the causeway joining the islands, implying that further building activity would follow. Myanmar has been alienated globally during the last two years as a result of its civil conflict and the military regime, known as the Tatmadaw, which now appears to be losing control. China recently invested heavily in the nation through the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to gain access to the Indian Ocean, which has served as a crucial sea lane for shipping destined for Chinas east coast, and instead direct energy imports over land into Chinas Yunnan province.Chinas growing supremacy in the Indian Ocean regionIt is no secret that Western nations like the United States and Australia, as well as Asian nations like India, Japan, and the Philippines, are concerned and suspicious about Chinas expanding influence in the Indian Ocean. There is a lot of evidence to imply that Beijings dominance has grown in Myanmar as a result of the military coup. China appears to be using the government and protecting its assets for the time being as Myanmars armed forces struggle to maintain control over a significant portion of the nation and also while their economy is in freefall. Major infrastructure projects like deep-water ports are reportedly being built on the ground by Chinese businesses as the military regime deploys its last few remaining troops to guard them.The Tatmadaws militarisation of the Coco Islands and further Chinese interior developments could significantly threaten Indias naval security. The current developments have far-reaching ramifications for Indias strategic interests in the area as New Delhi strives to combat Chinas expanding influence in the region. There have always been worries that China could utilise Myanmar to keep an eye on the Indian Navy, particularly in light of Great Coco. The recent history of the archipelago of the Coco Islands is defined by these conspiracies. Despite efforts to disprove them, they confirm almost all of the suspicions surrounding Great Coco, with each activity by Myanmar to enhance its military presence believed to be backed by China.
