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

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

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

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..