NEW DELHI, Jan 11: India has moved to strengthen its maritime posture in the northern Bay of Bengal by setting up a new naval base in West Bengal, amid rising Chinese naval activity and shifting regional security dynamics involving Bangladesh and Pakistan.India Today reported, citing top defence sources, that the Indian Navy will operate the facility as a naval "detachment", primarily focused on deploying small warships for rapid-response operations.The base will make use of the existing Haldia dock complex, allowing the Navy to operationalise the facility quickly with minimal additional infrastructure, the New Delhi-based weekly said.Initial work will include the construction of a dedicated jetty and shore-support facilities, it added.As per the report, the Haldia base is expected to host Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) and 300 tonne New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (NWJFACs).These platforms can reach speeds of up to 40-45 knots and are designed for quick-response maritime missions.It noted that the vessels are armed with CRN-91 guns and are likely to be equipped with loitering munition capabilities such as the Nagastra system, enhancing both strike and surveillance roles.Experts cited by the magazine said the move is linked to several factors, including increased movements by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in the Indian Ocean Region, growing concerns over maritime infiltration, and incidents of illegal crossings from Bangladesh into India using sea routes.The shallow waters and dense maritime traffic near the India-Bangladesh coastline make fast and agile platforms particularly effective for deterrence and interception, India Today said.The base assumes added importance amid China's expanding naval footprint in the Indian Ocean and Beijing's deepening defence and infrastructure engagement with Bangladesh, alongside its long-standing military partnership with Pakistan, it added.As per India Today, the base will be relatively compact, with an estimated strength of around 100 officers and sailors, indicating it will not function as a full-fledged command.Located about 100km from Kolkata, the site offers direct access to the Bay of Bengal while avoiding time-consuming transit through the River Hooghly. �"bdnews24.com

Source: bd News24 January 11, 2026 18:38 UTC