Interest in island republics is necessary for balancing the pursuit of its strategic interests with the preservation of its regional relationships and alliances.
The necessity to have overreaching influence in the Indian Ocean republics is because it can become an "arc of instability", as seen recently in the Maldives, which can jeopardise Indian security interests.
Bases are essential for Proximity to pivotal regions and for having Pre-positioned equipment and personnel, for quicker response than what is feasible from Mainland India.
It is an undeniable fact that China's hegemonic pursuits will not fade, nor will China's malevolent, lascivious ogling on Indian territory fade, notwithstanding bogus disclaimers like what Liu Jianchao, China's assistant foreign Minister said about the Gwadar - Xinjiang economic corridor not transgressing any disputed territory between India and Pakistan since China has taken a neutral stand on that issue. Maybe, he thinks Gilgit Baltistan is already a part of China since Chinese troops are positioned there.
China practically gifting eight submarines to Pakistan will increase the potential of the Pakistan Navy being capable of firing nukes in the future. And it is and undeniable reality that China is increasing its footprint in the Indian Ocean.
Therefore, it becomes essential for India to preposition resources in bases on friendly overseas island republic so that surveillance signature becomes shorter and cost productive and sea denial (maintaining a fleet in being that threatens offensive operations without actually conducting them) become effective.
China's hegemonic greed is beyond redemption as is being seen in the South China Sea. It is converting reefs into island and building airstrips and bases. There is no guarantee that China will not undertake chicanery in the Indian Ocean. Already, she is busy enforcing her String of Pearls strategy.
It is time to nip the evil eye in the bud.
India and US have a common goal in the Indian Ocean and each have their tasks clearly chalked out in a complementary force multiplier matrix and neither is dependent on the other's go ahead to operate. However, it may please juvenile minds to surmise that the US runs the show.
The Chinese growth rate dramatically slowing down and India on the rise has put China in a spot and serious concern about her hegemonic high.