The Indian Navy is setting up a new strategic naval base at Haldia in West Bengal, close to the Bangladesh border, to strengthen India’s maritime presence in the Bay of Bengal. The move aims to enhance coastal security, rapid-response capability, and surveillance in a region witnessing growing commercial and strategic activity.
Located along the Hooghly River with direct deep-sea access, the new base will support high-speed naval platforms such as Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) and the newly approved New Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (NWJFAC). These vessels are designed for swift patrols, interception, anti-piracy missions, and low-intensity maritime operations.
Haldia’s proximity to major shipping lanes and Malacca Strait–bound traffic makes it a strategically vital location. The base will improve maritime domain awareness and help monitor increasing extra-regional naval movement in the Bay of Bengal.
This development aligns with India’s broader goal of strengthening naval infrastructure along its eastern seaboard and reinforcing regional security while safeguarding vital sea trade routes.