Assumption Island
- India’s plans for a military base have hit a roadblock. Why is this tiny island of Seychelles important?
- Spanning just 11.6 sq km, a small island in the Indian Ocean has gained new attention with Seychelles saying that India’s plans to build a military base “will not move forward”.
- Assumption Island, a single coral island, belongs to the Outer Islands District of Seychelles.
- With only a small village on the sheltered western side and a 1,210-m concrete airfield running from there to the southeastern coast, the island’s few inhabitants, mostly farmers and fishermen, have to go to Victoria (the capital) for government services.
Why it is important for India?
- The island’s location is ideal for monitoring the Mozambique Channel, which sees significant international trade.
- A naval base there would help India secure its merchant ships, be a resource for other shipping nations, and help combat China’s increasing clout in the Indian Ocean.
