India to Build Military Airfields in Lakshadweep

On July 18th, 2024, the Central Government approved a major plan to build military airfields in Lakshadweep island territories to keep an eye on growing Chinese activities in the region and expand its reach.

Key points

It is to build a new airbase in Minicoy islands and extend the existing air field on Agatti island in the Arabian Sea on western side of India, they said.
The dual-purpose airfields, which will also be used by commercial airlines, will be capable of deploying and operating all types of fighter and transport aircraft, along with long-range drones and will give an edge to the Indian forces in the region.
The move has come at a time when the Chinese Navy has been expanding its presence in the Indian Ocean Region and collaborating closely with the Pakistan Navy in the region.
The Indian Air Force would be the lead in the project that would see a military conclave coming up there, which would be used by all three defence forces and the Indian Coast Guard.