In a significant move to enhance its maritime capabilities, the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to implement major upgrades to its strategic islands in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). As per HT the matter reveal that runway extensions at Diglipur in North Andamans and Campbell Bay in the Great Nicobar Islands have been approved. The runway at INS Baaz in Campbell Bay will reportedly be extended by 4,000 feet to accommodate larger jets and fighter aircraft, while INS Kohassa in Diglipur will also see expansion to handle bigger aircraft.
In a related development, night landing capabilities at Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar airport are expected to be demonstrated soon with the landing of an Airbus 321. This move is anticipated to pave the way for commercial night flights to the islands.
The government is also said to be considering runway extensions at Agatti Airport in Lakshadweep and the construction of a new runway in the Minicoy Islands, further strengthening India’s presence in the western IOR.
To bolster surveillance, six new radar stations are planned for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with additional installations in Lakshadweep. These measures aim to improve maritime and air domain awareness in the strategically crucial region. The expansion at Campbell Bay is particularly noteworthy, given its proximity to Indonesia’s Banda Aceh, just 150 kilometers away. Similarly, the focus on Minicoy Islands, located only 300 kilometers from the Maldives, appears to be a strategic counter to growing Chinese influence in the area.
These developments come at a time when regional dynamics are shifting, with smaller nations like the Maldives reportedly seeking closer ties with China. India’s proactive approach in upgrading its island territories signals its commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the Indian Ocean Region. As these plans unfold, the Modi government’s emphasis on maritime security and strategic preparedness in the IOR becomes increasingly evident, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.
