India set for Goa islands takeover

The Indian navy plans to take over two scenic islands popular with tourists in Goa because of security threats, have officials said.

The move is being opposed by the tourism industry and the state government, which is planning to set up an amusement park on the islands.

Goa attracts about 2.5 million tourists annually, including half a million foreigners, mostly from Britain, Israel and Russia.

Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai said securing the two islands, Grande and Pequeno, was important for the safety of the only international airport in the state.