NEW DELHI: Amidst the diplomatic row with Maldives, India is looking to develop a new airfield at the Minicoy Islands in Lakshadweep that would be enable the operation of military aircraft, including fighter jets, along with commercial airliners.
The airport at Minicoy — the second largest island in Lakshadweep after Andrott — would give the defence forces the capability to extend their surveillance in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The capability to handle civilian jets would provide a boost to tourism in the region.
There is only one airstrip in the island territory at the moment in Agatti, which handles smaller aircraft. The proposal for the development of a new airport and extending the present facilities has been revived recently.
The Indian Coast Guard was the first force under the defence ministry to suggest the development of an airstrip in the Minicoy Islands. As per the present proposal, the Indian Air Force would be in the lead to run the operations at the new airfield
"The plan is to have a joint airfield that would be capable of operating fighter jets, military transport planes and commercial aircraft," said officials.
The proposal to develop an airfield in the Minicoy Islands has been received in the past too. However the plan to have a joint-use defence airfield was revived in recent times and is being actively taken up.
Strategically, the airfield would give India a strong capability as it can be used as a base to keep an eye on the Arabian Sea.
The diplomatic row has been broken between India and Maldives, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep and promoted it as a tourist destination.
Politicians in the Maldives' ruling party criticised Indian plans to promote Lakshadweep. This resulted in backlash in Indian social media with many threatening to boycott Maldives as a tourist destination.
Minicoy has one of the largest lagoons. It is isolated from the main group of islands and lies about 200 kms south of the northern group. It is renowned for its tradition dance – the Lava — performed on festive occasions.
Colourful race boats called “Jahadhoni” are also a tourist attraction. Minicoy is also an important centre for tuna fishing.
