India has approved the construction of a major new military airport in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at an estimated cost of ₹150 billion (approximately $1.6 billion), marking a significant step in strengthening its strategic posture in the Indian Ocean amid China’s expanding regional footprint.
The project, cleared by the federal cabinet, includes not only a brand-new dual-runway airport on Great Nicobar Island but also the extension and modernization of two existing military airstrips in the archipelago.
Strategic Location Near Malacca Strait
The new airport will be constructed on Great Nicobar Island — the southernmost tip of the island chain — located roughly 40 nautical miles from the Strait of Malacca, one of the busiest and most strategically vital maritime choke points in the world.
Nearly one-third of global trade, along with a substantial portion of China’s energy imports, passes through the Strait of Malacca. Its strategic importance has intensified as Beijing seeks greater influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
By enhancing its presence near this corridor, India aims to:
- Monitor critical shipping lanes
- Track Chinese naval deployments
- Safeguard undersea communication cables
- Strengthen deterrence capabilities in the region
The development reinforces India’s geographic advantage at the gateway between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.
Dual-Use Airport with Civilian Operations
The upcoming airfield will feature two runways capable of handling large military and civilian aircraft. While primarily designed as a strategic defense asset, it will also support tourism and commercial operations.
According to Devendra Kumar Joshi, former naval chief and current top administrator of the island chain, the project will be steered by the defense ministry. Speaking at the United Services Institution of India in New Delhi, he stated that operations are expected to begin within three years.
The dual-use model is intended to balance security objectives with economic development in the ecologically sensitive region.
Upgrades to Existing Military Airfields
In addition to the new airport, India will refurbish and extend runways at key military installations across the islands.
- The northernmost military outpost will undergo runway expansion to accommodate larger aircraft.
- Airfields in the island capital, Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), will also be upgraded.
These improvements will enable operations of long-range maritime surveillance aircraft and enhance rapid deployment capabilities.
Enhanced Surveillance Capabilities
India operates a fleet of US-made long-range maritime surveillance aircraft and has recently approved the acquisition of six additional planes. The upgraded and newly constructed airbases will be capable of supporting these advanced aircraft.
Expanded air infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar region will significantly boost India’s ability to:
- Conduct persistent aerial surveillance
- Monitor submarine movements
- Strengthen maritime domain awareness
- Coordinate with Quad partners
For countries such as the United States, Japan, and Australia, India’s growing military footprint in the archipelago underscores its role as a key strategic counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific.
Environmental and Strategic Balance
The project is located in an ecologically sensitive zone, raising concerns about environmental impact. However, authorities have emphasized that development will follow regulatory frameworks and balance national security priorities with conservation needs.
The expansion signals India’s long-term commitment to securing its maritime interests, especially as geopolitical competition intensifies across the Indo-Pacific.
Why This Matters
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands sit at a natural maritime crossroads. Strengthening infrastructure there provides India with a forward-operating advantage, closer surveillance reach, and greater operational flexibility.
With China expanding its naval presence in the Indian Ocean and increasing investments in ports across the region, India’s infrastructure push in Great Nicobar represents a calculated move to maintain strategic equilibrium.