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’s Car Nicobar air base in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, significantly enhancing the IAF’s operational capability in the eastern sector.
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, along with other senior officials.
Officials said the upgraded runway would strengthen India’s strategic posture due to Car Nicobar’s proximity and direct oversight of the Malacca Strait, a vital global maritime route for international trade and energy supplies. The enhanced facility is expected to enable quicker and more efficient air operations by the IAF.
They added that apron areas at the base have also been expanded to ensure smoother aircraft movement and to facilitate long-range firing exercises within shorter timeframes.
Car Nicobar, located about 535 km from Sri Vijaya Puram, had suffered extensive damage during the 2004 tsunami. Officials said the CDS’s visit underlined the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for national security, aligned with India’s ‘Act East’ policy and the Prime Minister’s vision of security and growth for all in the region.
During his visit, the CDS is also scheduled to inaugurate a storage facility and pay homage at the Tsunami Memorial. (Agencies)
