In the modern geopolitical chessboard, military bases outside national borders are not just symbols of power—they are instruments of influence, surveillance, and strategic control. Countries like the United States, China, Russia, and France maintain large networks of overseas military bases to secure trade routes and expand geopolitical reach. But where does India stand in this game? And how does China’s controversial “String of Pearls” strategy affect India’s security landscape?

India’s Military Presence Beyond Its Borders

Contrary to popular belief, India does not operate many large permanent military bases abroad like the US or China. Instead, India relies mostly on strategic access agreements, radar stations, logistics facilities, and training missions in friendly countries.

These facilities allow Indian forces to monitor sea lanes, conduct joint exercises, and maintain influence across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Key Locations Where India Has Military Facilities or Access

1. Tajikistan – Farkhor Air Base
India once operated its first overseas airbase here, near Afghanistan. It served as a strategic logistics and intelligence hub during the Afghan conflict.

2. Bhutan – IMTRAT (Indian Military Training Team)
India trains the Royal Bhutan Army at Haa Dzong. This mission has existed since the 1960s and reflects the deep defence partnership between the two countries.

3. Mauritius – Agaléga Island Facility
India is developing an airstrip and naval facility here, helping monitor maritime activity across the southwest Indian Ocean.

4. Madagascar – Surveillance Station
India operates an electronic listening post to monitor ship movements in the Mozambique Channel.

5. Seychelles – Assumption Island (planned facility)
This facility aims to strengthen maritime surveillance and security cooperation.

6. Oman – Duqm Port Access
India has logistics and berthing rights for naval ships, allowing refueling and maintenance in the Arabian Sea region.

7. Iran – Chabahar Port
While primarily a trade project, it also carries strategic importance for Indian naval logistics.

8. Singapore – Changi Naval Base Access
Indian Navy ships regularly use this base for logistical support.

These locations form a loose network of strategic access points, helping India operate beyond its coastline and protect shipping routes.

China’s “String of Pearls” Strategy

Now comes the bigger strategic concern.

The “String of Pearls” is a geopolitical theory describing China’s attempt to surround India by developing ports, military facilities, and strategic infrastructure across the Indian Ocean.

The “pearls” are a chain of strategic locations stretching from the South China Sea to the Middle East, creating a network that can support Chinese naval operations.

Major “Pearls” Around India

Gwadar Port – Pakistan
A China-funded deep-sea port near the Persian Gulf. It gives China direct access to the Arabian Sea.

Hambantota Port – Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka leased this port to China for 99 years after failing to repay loans, raising fears of potential Chinese naval use.

Chittagong Port – Bangladesh
China has heavily invested in port infrastructure here.

Kyaukpyu Port – Myanmar
Part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), linking the Indian Ocean to China through pipelines and highways.

Djibouti Military Base – East Africa
China’s first overseas military base, located near key global shipping routes.

Maldives and Seychelles Infrastructure Projects
Chinese investments in ports and infrastructure in these islands have also raised security concerns.

Together these locations resemble a necklace of strategic outposts encircling India, allowing China to monitor sea lanes, deploy naval forces, and potentially control energy routes.

Why This Matters for India

Nearly 90% of India’s trade by volume moves through sea routes, many of which pass through the Indian Ocean. Control or surveillance of these routes can influence global trade, energy supply, and military mobility.

China’s expanding presence in ports around India has therefore triggered concerns that Beijing could project naval power close to Indian waters in times of conflict.

India’s response has been quieter but strategic. Instead of building massive overseas bases, India is developing a network of partnerships, radar stations, and naval access agreements stretching from Africa to Southeast Asia.

In simple terms:
China builds ports and bases.
India builds alliances and access.

The Strategic Reality

The Indian Ocean is rapidly becoming the next great geopolitical battleground. With China expanding its naval reach and India strengthening its regional partnerships, the balance of power in Asia is evolving.

The real question is not whether India has bases abroad—but whether its network of alliances and strategic access points can effectively counter China’s expanding “String of Pearls.”

Because in geopolitics, the oceans are not just water—they are the highways of power.

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