ISLAMABAD: The Indian Navy has initiated construction on a new navaldetachment in Haldia, West Bengal, strategically positioned near theBangladesh border in the Bay of Bengal. This development marks asignificant enhancement to India’s maritime capabilities on its easternflank. Top naval sources indicate that the yet-unnamed base will primarilyhost small, agile warships, including Fast Interceptor Crafts and New WaterJet Fast Attack Crafts, with initial efforts focused on building adedicated jetty to facilitate swift operations.
The move comes as India bolsters its preparedness for potential multi-frontcontingencies, including simultaneous challenges from China and Pakistan.While the Eastern Naval Command is headquartered in Visakhapatnam andsupported by facilities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Haldiadetachment addresses previous delays in land allotment. Once operational,it will accommodate around 100 personnel and enable rapid deploymentwithout navigating the lengthy Hooghly River route from Kolkata.
In 2024, the Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement of 120Fast Interceptor Crafts and 31 New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts. Thesevessels, displacing about 100 tonnes and capable of speeds up to 45 knots,are equipped with machine guns and designed for versatile roles such ascoastal patrol, interception, and surveillance. The Haldia base will allowthese crafts to maintain vigilant oversight of maritime activities in thenorthern Bay of Bengal, a region witnessing increased geopolitical activity.
Haldia’s location, approximately 100 kilometres from Kolkata and directlyaccessing the Bay of Bengal via the Haldi River confluence, offerslogistical advantages. The existing Haldia Dock Complex, operational sincethe 1970s, provides robust infrastructure that can be adapted for navaluse. This detachment complements India’s broader strategy to strengthen itseastern seaboard, integrating with operations from the Andaman and NicobarCommand and enhancing overall maritime domain awareness.
Regional dynamics have prompted this expansion. Following political changesin Bangladesh since August 2024, defence ties between Dhaka and Islamabadhave deepened. Notably, the Pakistan Navy’s frigate PNS Saif visitedBangladesh in November last year, accompanied by unprecedented two-starlevel staff talks between the two navies. Such developments raise concernsin New Delhi about potential shifts in the Bay of Bengal’s securityenvironment.
The Bay of Bengal has seen heightened militarisation, with over 100warships from extra-regional powers routinely operating in the area.India’s new detachment in Haldia positions it to monitor sea lanes leadingto the Malacca Strait, a critical global trade chokepoint. Additionally, itsupports non-combatant evacuation, humanitarian assistance, and disasterrelief operations, given the region’s vulnerability to cyclones and floods.
This initiative aligns with India’s long-standing doctrine of preparing fora two-front war scenario, involving simultaneous threats from its northernand western borders extending to maritime domains. The eastern navalbuildup ensures balanced force projection across the Arabian Sea and Bay ofBengal. Experts view the Haldia base as a proactive measure to deteradversarial influences and assert maritime sovereignty.
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Local benefits are anticipated, including job creation in maintenance,logistics, and support services, leveraging Haldia’s established industrialstatus. The base’s modest scale, focusing on fast attack crafts rather thanlarger vessels, underscores a tailored approach to littoral defence andrapid response capabilities.
As work progresses swiftly following land clearance, the Haldia detachmentrepresents a calculated step in India’s evolving naval posture. Itreinforces the nation’s commitment to securing its extensive coastline andvital sea lines of communication in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacificregion.
Source:https://www.timesnownews.com/india/fast-attack-craft-bay-of-bengal-focus-why-indias-new-haldia-naval-base-matters-article-153399211
Tags: Indian Navy, Haldia, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, Fast Interceptor Craftogimageimage-name
