Indian Navy to set up new base at Haldia to boost presence in northern Bay of Bengal: Report

The Indian Navy is set to establish a new base at Haldia in West Bengal to strengthen India’s maritime presence in the northern Bay of Bengal amid increased Chinese naval activity and evolving regional security dynamics involving Bangladesh and Pakistan, India Today reported, citing sources.

Naval ‘detachment’ with quick operational capability

According to the report, the facility will function as a naval “detachment” and focus on the deployment of small warships. The base will leverage the existing Haldia dock complex, enabling the Navy to operationalise the facility quickly with minimal additional infrastructure. Initial work is expected to include the construction of a dedicated jetty and shore-support facilities.

Fast attack and interceptor craft to be deployed

The Haldia base is likely to host Fast Interceptor Crafts and 300-tonne New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts. These high-speed platforms, capable of reaching speeds of 40–45 knots, are designed for rapid-response maritime operations. They are armed with CRN-91 guns and are expected to be equipped with loitering munitions such as the Nagastra system, strengthening their strike and surveillance capabilities.

Strategic drivers behind the move

Experts said the decision is driven by multiple factors, including increased deployments by the People’s Liberation Army Navy in the Indian Ocean Region, growing concerns over maritime infiltration, and instances of illegal crossings from Bangladesh into India via sea routes.

The shallow waters and dense maritime traffic along the India–Bangladesh coastline make fast, agile platforms particularly effective for interception and deterrence missions.

China factor and regional security concerns

The Haldia base assumes added importance amid China’s expanding naval footprint in the Indian Ocean and Beijing’s deepening defence and infrastructure engagement with Bangladesh, alongside its long-standing military partnership with Pakistan.

Compact base with strategic location

The facility will be relatively compact, with around 100 officers and sailors expected to be stationed there, indicating it will not function as a full-fledged naval command. Located about 100 km from Kolkata, the base offers a strategic advantage by providing direct access to the Bay of Bengal while avoiding the time-consuming transit through the River Hooghly.

Fits into broader naval expansion plans

India currently operates major naval facilities on the eastern seaboard, including the Eastern Naval Command headquarters in Visakhapatnam and key bases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Officials said the land for the Haldia base had been earmarked earlier, but construction had been pending.

The move also aligns with the Navy’s broader expansion plans. In 2024, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the procurement of 120 Fast Interceptor Crafts and 31 New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts.

These vessels, typically around 100 tonnes in displacement and capable of carrying 10–12 personnel, are suited for coastal patrol, anti-infiltration missions, harbour defence and special operations. Experts said the deployment of such assets is critical to safeguarding sea lanes, monitoring regional developments and reinforcing India’s role as a key security provider in the region.

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