Why in news?

Myanmar maintains administrative control and has recently reaffirmed to India that there are no Chinese installations on the islands, amidst ongoing strategic discussions.
 
Location and Geography

• The Coco Islands are located about 18 km north of India's North Andaman Island, in the Bay of Bengal.
• The main islands in the group are Great Coco Island, Little Coco Island, Table Island, Slipper Island, Rat Island, Binnacle Rock, and Jerry Island.

Historical Background

• Historically, the islands were on ancient trade routes linking India, Burma, and Southeast Asia.
• In the 16th century, Portuguese sailors named them after the word for coconut.
• The islands fell under British administration, being part of British Burma from 1882, and remained with Myanmar (Burma) after its independence in 1948.
• A penal colony for political prisoners was established there in 1959 and later converted for Burmese Navy use after the prison’s closure in 1971.

Strategic Importance

• The islands' proximity to the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago of India makes them crucial in regional military and surveillance dynamics.
• There have been recurring concerns about foreign military presence, especially rumored Chinese activity, but Myanmar has recently assured India of no Chinese presence on the Coco Islands, though Indian naval access remains restricted by Myanmar.
• Their location at the crossroads of major sea lanes enhances their value for maritime monitoring and regional security.

These aspects make the Coco Islands an enduring subject of regional geostrategic interest and occasional diplomatic friction, especially between India, Myanmar, and China.

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