Why in news?
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan inaugurated a newly resurfaced and extended runway at the Indian Air Force base on Car Nicobar Island on 2 January 2026. The upgrade expands apron areas, allows rapid deployment of heavy aircraft and enhances India’s ability to monitor and respond to activities near the strategic Malacca Strait. The event also commemorated the resilience of the base, which was devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
Background
Car Nicobar is the northernmost inhabited island of the Nicobar group in the Bay of Bengal. Covering about 120 sq km, it is relatively flat with fertile, coral‑rich soil that supports vast plantations of coconut and areca nut palms. The island forms the headquarters of the Nicobar district. Its population—estimated at over 19,000, the majority being indigenous Nicobarese—lives in about fifteen villages scattered around the coast. The island lies roughly 270 km south of Port Blair and is separated from the Andaman Islands by the Ten‑Degree Channel. It has a humid tropical climate with rainfall from both southwest and northeast monsoons.
Strategic importance
- Gateway to the Malacca Strait: Car Nicobar’s air base sits near one of the world’s busiest sea lanes. A modern runway enhances surveillance and rapid response across the eastern Indian Ocean.
- Tri‑service command: The base is part of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, India’s only integrated command combining the Army, Navy and Air Force. It hosts transport aircraft such as the C‑130J Super Hercules and supports paratrooper operations.
- Disaster response: The 2004 tsunami destroyed much of Car Nicobar and claimed many lives, including air force personnel and civilians. Rebuilding the base with better infrastructure ensures quicker humanitarian assistance in future disasters.
- Support for island residents: Improved air connectivity benefits local communities by facilitating the movement of people, goods and medical aid.
Conclusion
The upgraded runway at Car Nicobar symbolises resilience and preparedness. As India pursues its Act East policy and strengthens its presence in the Indo‑Pacific, infrastructure on remote islands like Car Nicobar will play a critical role in national security and regional cooperation.
Source: Times Of India
