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

17 May 2021 CW Team

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 Source

Also read: India-Mauritius free trade may benefit construction, infra

Also read: India, Philippines ink pact for supply of Brahmos missiles

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

Real Estate

01 Dec 2025

Serene, Gardencity to Develop Rs 3 Billion Senior Living Project in Bengaluru

Serene Communities, a leading senior living brand, has partnered with Gardencity Realty to develop a premium senior living community in Budigere, one of Bengaluru’s fastest-growing residential micro-markets. The project will span approximately 300,000 sq ft, with a Gross Development Value of about Rs 3 billion, and will add roughly 250 senior-friendly residences to the city’s growing retirement housing segment.The launch forms part of Serene Communities’ national expansion strategy. The company has 11 new projects under development with a planned investment of Rs 25 billion that will add..

Real Estate

01 Dec 2025

Alliance City Developers Marks Major 2025 Milestones in Vile Parle

Alliance City Developers Realtors has announced significant project milestones and expansions in 2025, underscoring what the company terms a transformational year. The developer completed multiple residential projects and launched two premium developments in Vile Parle (East), one of Mumbai’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.During the year, Alliance Legacy in Matunga (East) received its Occupancy Certificate (OC), while Alliance Eternis in Borivali (West) and Alliance Vista in Vile Parle (East) were granted Completion Certificates (CC), marking final project delivery. Alliance Abhimanyu is ..

Infrastructure Energy

03 Dec 2025

Moro Hub and PwC Middle East Partner to Accelerate Smart City Solutions

Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has announced a strategic collaboration with PwC Middle East to advance Smart City, Integrated Command Centre (ICC), Critical Infrastructure Monitoring and Internet of Things (IoT) initiatives across the region. The partnership brings together Moro Hub’s digital infrastructure and IoT capabilities with PwC’s global expertise in digital trust, smart city strategy and cybersecurity to support the UAE’s vision for intelligent and sustainable cities.“Our collaboration with PwC Middle Ea..