India's Shipping Ministry Flags Coco Islands as Chinese Defence Base

28 Nov 2023 CW Team

In a controversial development, India's Shipping Ministry initially identified Myanmar's Coco Islands as a Chinese defence base, only to later omit the mention. The incident has sparked concerns and discussions regarding the strategic implications of the Coco Islands in the context of Sino-Indian relations.

The Shipping Ministry's acknowledgement of Coco Islands as a Chinese defence base, followed by its subsequent omission, has raised questions about the dynamics between the two neighbouring nations. Coco Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, has long been a subject of geopolitical interest due to its strategic location and its potential role in regional security.

The contradictory statements from the Shipping Ministry have fueled speculation and debate about the accuracy of the initial claim and the subsequent decision to remove the reference to the Coco Islands as a Chinese defence base. Such developments highlight the sensitivity surrounding issues of national security and diplomatic relations in the maritime domain.

As stakeholders seek clarification, the incident underscores the complexities and nuances involved in navigating geopolitical landscapes, especially concerning strategically significant areas. The Coco Islands controversy adds another layer to the broader discussions on maritime security and the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..