The Indian government has approved a plan to build two military airfields near the Maldives months after its troops were ordered to leave the archipelago.
An airfield to support the operations of fighter and transport aircraft will be constructed on the Minicoy islands, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the small island nation.
An existing military facility on Agatti island in Lakshadweep will also receive an extended airfield that can be used both by the Indian Armed Forces and civil airliners.
According to officials, the new airfields will provide the military with the opportunity to extend their area of surveillance and gain a tactical edge in the region.
The Indian Air Force is expected to lead the project.
A Strategic Move?
Plans to build military infrastructure near the Maldives were announced as early as March, almost four months after the island nation asked India to withdraw its troops from its territories.
Pro-China Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has advocated for an “India Out” campaign, saying New Delhi’s influence is a threat to his country’s sovereignty.
But the timing of the move raised suspicions in the international community, as Male has recently upgraded its defense ties with Beijing.
Concerns are mounting that the Asian military superpower could potentially use the island nation and Pakistan to assert its influence in the Indian Ocean.
Building military installations near the Maldives will allow India to keep a close watch on growing Chinese activities in the region.
New Delhi already indicated that any potential military presence in the Maldives by China would be viewed as a threat in its own backyard.