The decision is intended to boost tourism in the union territory of Lakshadweep and enhance surveillance capabilities over the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
New Delhi: Amid the diplomatic tensions between India and Maldives over the derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is now considering the development of a new airfield in the Minicoy Islands. This airfield is envisioned to be capable of accommodating not only commercial aircraft but also military ones, including fighter jets.
A massive controversy had erupted last week following derogatory remarks by the deputy minister of Maldives and other ministers who made racist remarks thrown at India, while also mocking PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep and his attempt to promote tourism in the island Union Territory of India.
Indian Air Force to lead operations from Minicoy’s airfield
“The plan is to have a joint airfield that would be capable of operating fighter jets, military transport planes and commercial aircraft,” ANI quoted government sources as saying.
The sources further said that the proposals for developing a new airfield in the Minicoy Islands have been presented to the government in the past. However, the current initiative to establish a joint-use defence airfield has been rejuvenated recently and is actively advancing.
The establishment of the airfield is expected to stimulate tourism in the union territory, while concurrently enhancing surveillance capabilities over the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean region.
The proposal for the development of the airfield at the Minicoy Islands was first given by the Indian Coast Guard. As per the present proposal, the Indian Air Force would lead the operations from Minicoy.
Minicoy airport to boost tourism
The Minicoy airport, once operational, would offer the defence forces the ability to expand their surveillance coverage in the Arabian Sea. Additionally, the airport is anticipated to boost tourism in the region, as outlined in the government’s plans.
Currently, there is only one airstrip in the island territory, located in Agatti, and it may impose limitations on the types of aircraft that can be accommodated.
