Strategic-geographic dyad
The Palk Strait and the Eight Degree Channel sit on lanes that move a measurable share of east-west Indian Ocean traffic. The UK already insures them through Lloyd's and patrols them through the Combined Maritime Forces at Bahrain.
A civic frame for the same geography — read as common civilisational infrastructure rather than as a great-power competition surface.
Cardinal features
Shallow strait between Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka. Civilian fisher lane. Canonical TLTE rules: never aggregate fisher incident counts; cross-link Maritime Desk.
Deep-water channel between Minicoy and the northern Maldives. Carries a measurable share of east-bound Indian Ocean container traffic (Lloyd's List).
Among the world's largest natural deep-water harbours. Strategic since the 18th century; covered by the 1987 Indo-Sri Lanka Accord side letter.
Public 99-year lease (2017). Cited for context, not for accusation. Demonstrates why a lawful, diaspora-bridged alternative discourse matters.
Distance frame
Great-circle approximations. Used as the distance term in the gravity board.