Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 2: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Friday inaugurated the resurfaced and upgraded runway at the Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Car Nicobar, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, underscoring India’s growing focus on strengthening its eastern frontier.
The CDS arrived at Car Nicobar around 11.30 am and was received by Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), along with other senior military officials. An official statement confirmed that the upgraded runway and expanded apron facilities are now operational, enabling smoother aircraft movement and faster deployment.
Located about 535 km from Sri Vijaya Puram, Car Nicobar was among the worst-affected areas during the 2004 tsunami. Officials said the modernised runway significantly enhances the IAF’s operational readiness, allowing quicker air operations and supporting long-range firing exercises within minimal time.
Senior defence officials highlighted that the air base holds critical strategic importance due to its direct oversight of the Malacca Strait, a vital global maritime route for international trade and energy supplies. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to further bolster India’s surveillance and response capabilities in the region.
The CDS’s visit also reflects the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India’s national security architecture, in line with the government’s ‘Act East’ policy and the Prime Minister’s vision of security and growth for all in the region.
During his visit, General Chauhan is also scheduled to inaugurate a new storage facility at the base and pay homage at the Tsunami Memorial.