🌍 Introduction
India, being a rising global power, has recognised the need to secure its maritime trade routes, energy supplies, and strategic interests. Instead of establishing large traditional bases (like the US), India follows a strategy of “logistics support agreements” and “listening posts” across the Indian Ocean Region.
These overseas military stations help India in:
- Ensuring maritime domain awareness (MDA)
- Securing sea lanes of communication (SLOCs)
- Countering China’s String of Pearls strategy
- Supporting anti-piracy and humanitarian operations
For defence aspirants, understanding India’s overseas military presence is crucial for both exams and SSB interviews.
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✅ Important Overseas Military Stations of India
1. Farkhor Air Base (Tajikistan)
- India’s first overseas military base.
- Located near Ayni, Tajikistan.
- Operated jointly with Tajikistan, with Russian support.
- Strategic Role: Provides access to Central Asia and proximity to Afghanistan.
- Importance for exams: Often asked as “India’s only full-fledged overseas airbase.”
2. Assumption Island (Seychelles)
- India has developed a naval facility here.
- Located in the western Indian Ocean.
- Strategic Role: Helps monitor the Mozambique Channel and counter piracy near East Africa.
3. Agalega Island (Mauritius)
- India is building a military facility and runway here.
- Strategic Role: Extends India’s surveillance in the southwest Indian Ocean.
- Also helps monitor China’s growing naval presence in the region.
4. Duqm Port (Oman)
- India has signed an agreement with Oman for naval access.
- Provides docking and repair facilities for Indian warships.
- Strategic Role: Allows India to operate close to the Persian Gulf and monitor vital oil shipping lanes.
5. Sabang Port (Indonesia)
- Located near the strategic Malacca Strait.
- India has access for military and commercial use.
- Strategic Role: Critical chokepoint – most of China’s and India’s oil imports pass through here.
6. Chabahar Port (Iran)
- Though mainly commercial, it has strategic importance.
- India developed the port to bypass Pakistan for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
- Strategic Role: Counters China’s Gwadar Port in Pakistan.
7. Reunion Island (France)
- India doesn’t own this base, but through logistics agreements with France, Indian Navy can access facilities here.
- Strategic Role: Helps in southern Indian Ocean surveillance.
8. Diego Garcia & US Bases (Logistics Agreements)
- Under LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement) with the US, India can access bases like Diego Garcia in emergencies.
- Strategic Role: Enhances Indo-US naval cooperation.
📌 Strategic Agreements that Support Overseas Presence
India has signed multiple Logistics Support Agreements (LSA) with:
- USA (LEMOA – 2016)
- France (2018)
- Singapore (2018)
- Australia (2020)
- Japan (2020)
👉 These agreements allow mutual access to bases, making India’s overseas reach even stronger.
🎯 Why This Topic is Important for Defence Aspirants
- Exam Relevance: UPSC, NDA, CDS frequently ask about India’s overseas bases and ports.
- Current Affairs: Regular in news due to Indo-Pacific strategy and China’s movements.
- SSB Interviews: Knowledge of overseas bases shows awareness of strategic geopolitics.
🏆 Quick Revision Table
| Overseas Base / Station | Country | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Farkhor Air Base | Tajikistan | Central Asia, Afghanistan access |
| Assumption Island | Seychelles | Western IOR, piracy control |
| Agalega Island | Mauritius | SW Indian Ocean surveillance |
| Duqm Port | Oman | Persian Gulf access |
| Sabang Port | Indonesia | Near Malacca Strait chokepoint |
| Chabahar Port | Iran | Trade route to Afghanistan & Central Asia |
| Reunion Island | France | Southern IOR |
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🔖 Conclusion
India’s overseas military stations highlight its growing naval and geopolitical strength. From Central Asia to the Indian Ocean Region, these facilities ensure India can protect its interests, maintain maritime security, and counter China’s influence.
For aspirants, this is a must-read topic for CDS, NDA, CAPF, and AFCAT exams, as well as for SSB interviews.
At The Lakshya Academy, we simplify complex defence topics like these into exam-oriented notes and strategies so you can prepare effectively.
