Amid rising Chinese activities, India clears major plans to build two military airfields in Lakshadweep
- In Reports
- 12:18 PM, Jul 19, 2024
- Myind Staff
In a major boost to its defence capabilities, India approved a major plan on Thursday to construct military airfields in the Lakshadweep island territories. This move aims to monitor increasing Chinese activities in the region and expand India's strategic reach.
The Central government, at a high-level meeting held on Thursday, cleared the proposals, defence sources told ANI.
The proposal from the three services, led by the Department of Military Affairs, includes plans to build a new airbase on Minicoy Island and extend the existing airfield on Agatti Island in the Arabian Sea, on India's western side.
These dual-purpose airfields, which will also serve commercial airlines, will be equipped to deploy and operate all types of fighter and transport aircraft, as well as long-range drones. This development is expected to enhance the strategic edge of Indian forces in the region.
This initiative comes as the Chinese Navy has been increasing its presence in the Indian Ocean Region and working closely with the Pakistan Navy in the area.
The Indian Air Force will lead the project, which will include the establishment of a military complex on the islands, utilised by all three branches of the armed forces and the Indian Coast Guard.
The Indian Coast Guard was the first to propose the development of an airstrip on Minicoy Island. According to the current plan, the Indian Air Force will oversee operations from Minicoy.
The new airport at Minicoy will enhance the defence forces' ability to extend their surveillance coverage in the Arabian Sea and is also expected to boost tourism in the region, as planned by the government.
The Minicoy Islands are just around 50 miles from the Maldives.
Image source: ANI
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