This remains a US-UK military base, strategically poised at the centre of the Indian Ocean. New Delhi, which has historically opposed colonialism, is urging the UK to withdraw its “colonial administration” from Diego Garcia, restoring Mauritius’ sovereignty over the entire Indian Ocean island chain. Securing ChokepointsFurther north in the Indian Ocean, the Indian Navy continues to secure two choke points – the Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar islands – through which international commercial shipping is funnelled. In 2012, the Indian Navy inaugurated a naval air base, INS Baaz, at the very mouth of the Malacca Strait. The Indian Navy provides them patrol vessels, surveillance aircraft, equipment and training, preparing them for monitoring their respective Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).