India monitors Chinese infrastructure on Coco Islands

India is keeping a close watch and monitoring reports of Chinese infrastructure build-up in Myanmar's Great Coco Islands in the Bay of Bengal that could be too close for New Delhi's comfort.

China is reportedly involved in expanding an airstrip and aircraft hangar in Coco Islands located close to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Chinese engineers and military personnel have reportedly been spotted on the islands in recent years, according to people familiar with the developments.

ET has learnt that the Indian establishment is closely monitoring reports of infrastructure development in the Coco Islands by the People's Liberation Army (PLA).


The developments in Coco Islands have come to light amid increase in Chinese spy ships and surveyor ships in the Bay of Bengal and proposed radar in southern Sri Lanka.

In late March, UK-based Chatham House published a report with recent satellite images showing what it called "a steady makeover, with telltale signs of military modernisation and facilities to support aircraft".

"India may soon face a new air base close by in a country increasingly tied to Beijing," the report said, pointing to the radar station, pier, airstrip and hangar expansion captured in the satellite images.

However, a spokesman for Myanmar's ruling State Administration Council called the allegation that China was building the facility in the islands "absurd".

"Myanmar and India always have discussions at many levels, but there was no specific discussion on this issue," said Major General Zaw Min Tun of the Myanmar army.