the americans may want to think of such an idea in the event of a chinese affair with taiwan. but this base stops them from even thinking about such an idea - and thats EXACTLY my point "strategic deterrent".
pirates. not to block the lane, but to loot a vessel once in a while (it happens very regularly every month). do you know indian navy escorts select ships in the malacca stretch to protect them from pirates.
india wont block china's shipping lane. nor will any asian country. its not just china's lane - its the lane used by most vessels moving across asia.
