India has opened a new naval base called INS Baaz in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to monitor the critical Strait of Malacca maritime route and counter China's growing influence in the region. The base will improve India's ability to monitor shipping traffic through the strait. There is also increasing competition between India and China for influence over Myanmar, as access through Myanmar could provide naval access to the strategic Strait of Malacca. Both countries are pursuing closer economic and military ties with Myanmar. In the South China Sea, India is exploring for oil with Vietnam despite Chinese objections, as Vietnam welcomes partnerships to balance China's growing power in the area.