India plans new airport for both military, civilian aircraft operations in Lakshadweep's Minicoy

While India aims to boost tourism in the Lakshadweep islands, there are plans to construct a new airfield on the Minicoy Islands which will support both military aircraft, including fighter jets, and commercial planes. “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. Despite previous submissions to the government for the development of a new airfield in the Minicoy Islands, the recent revitalization of plans for a joint-use defense airfield is currently underway and actively progressing, according to the sources. From a military standpoint, the proposed airfield would enhance India’s strategic capabilities, serving as a base for monitoring the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean region. The initial suggestion for an airstrip in the Minicoy Islands came from the Indian Coast Guard, under the Defence Ministry. As outlined in the current proposal, the Indian Air Force is set to take the lead in operating from Minicoy. The establishment of an airport in Minicoy would significantly expand the surveillance coverage of the Arabian Sea by the defense forces. Additionally, the proposed airport aims to stimulate tourism in the region as part of the government’s strategic plan. Currently, there is only one airstrip on the island territory, located in Agatti, which imposes limitations on the types of aircraft that can operate. The recent revival of the proposal includes plans for the development of a new airport and the expansion of existing facilities. The Minicoy Islands gained increased attention after a recent visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. However, politicians from the ruling party in the Maldives have been critical of India’s efforts to promote Lakshadweep as a tourist attraction, expressing their dissent through social media platforms. With inputs from agencies