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

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..