Agalega: India's remote island military base in the Indian Ocean

A remote Mauritian island of North Agalega, located 1,122 km north of Mauritius, is currently witnessing a flurry of construction activity by India. India had sought access to the island in 2015 to develop it as an air and naval staging point for surveillance of the southwest Indian Ocean. Satellite images show major airfield and port developments worth around $87 million underway. As per Google Earth data, a new 3,000 m runway capable of hosting the Indian Navy's new Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft has been developed. India considers the new base to be essential for facilitating both air and surface maritime patrols in the southwest Indian Ocean and as an intelligence outpost. The recent satellite imagery shows the scale and capabilities of this new facility. The project entails a new airport, port and logistics and communication facilities and potentially, any other facility related to the project. The imagery shows barracks and fields, which could be used as parade grounds or sporting facilities located near the north end of the runway. These images do not readily show evidence of fuel storage facilities or communications and intelligence installations – such as radomes. The island is around 12 km long and 1.5 km wide, with a total population of fewer than 300 people. Until recently, it was virtually cut off from the world, with a rudimentary jetty and a small airfield barely fit for light aircraft. A port is being developed at the north end of the island, which includes accommodation for around 430 workers. The latest images show the original jetty in addition to the port development (two longer jetties) stretching closer to the deep water. This development is a part of the Indian government's 2016 goal for the Indian Ocean—Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). Under SAGAR, India aims to work together with Indian Ocean regional governments to establish virtuous cycles of cooperation. Image SourceAlso read: India-Mauritius free trade may benefit construction, infra Also read: India, Philippines ink pact for supply of Brahmos missiles