Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, the Indian government has decided to construct two new airfields on Agatti and Minicoy Islands. The existing runway on Agatti is due for improvements and an expansion, while Minicoy Island will see a new runway.
In the future, the INS Jatayu naval base will also be established on Minicoy Island, located 524 kilometers from the Maldives. This base and runway will enable the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy to directly monitor activities in the Maldives and restrain Chinese movements.
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Agatti Island's airstrip is undergoing an upgrade to aid the Indian forces in maintaining peace in the Indian and Arabian seas. This will also uphold maritime safety in the Indo-Pacific region. Strengthened deployment on both the Andaman Islands in the east and Lakshadweep in the west will guard India's marine boundaries and invigorate tourism, as visitors will feel safer while exploring these destinations.
Source: aajtak
Lakshadweep to Gain Dual-Purpose Airfield
Reliable government sources told India Today that a dual-purpose airfield is planned for Minicoy Island. It will operate not just fighter jets but also accommodate civilian aircraft and other military craft for landing and takeoff.
Prior proposals only suggested military use airfields. However, this upgraded dual-purpose airfield proposal will enable round-the-clock monitoring in the Arabian and Indian Oceans, thwarting piracy activities and increasing vigilance.
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Source: aajtak
Airfields to Transform Operations in Indian Navy and Air Force
The new airstrip on Minicoy Island will markedly ease operations for the Navy and Air Force in the surrounding seas, providing a strategic advantage in mitigating China's growing regional activities. The establishment of this airstrip first gained traction through a proposal by the Indian Coast Guards. As posited by current plans, the Indian Air Force will manage the airport and airfield operations.
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Source: aajtak
Strengthened Naval Presence in Lakshadweep
There's already a robust naval base, INS Dweeprakshak, on Kavaratti Island in Lakshadweep. This base is an established part of the Southern Naval Command, operational since 2012, and signifies the Indian Navy's longstanding activity in the region since the 1980s. The primary goal now is bolstering the Air Force's prowess and operational capacity in the area.
With the construction of an airfield on Minicoy, vigilance over China's naval maneuvers in the vicinity will be escalated. Additionally, commercial ships navigating the Suez Canal and the Persian Gulf also pass through the area, outlining the strategic importance of a secure military and surveillance posture. Such measures ensure the capability to counter adversaries when necessary, while maintaining regional peace.
