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

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 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

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Daikin Boosts Haryana’s Innovation Push with Rs 10 billion R&D Plan

Japanese multinational Daikin Industries has committed an investment of Rs 10 billion to set up a new research and development centre in Haryana. The proposed facility will focus on advanced technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, marking a significant boost to the state’s innovation and industrial ecosystem. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Osaka, Japan, during a visit by a Haryana government delegation held from October 6 to 8. The MoU was signed by Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, ..

Next Story
Building Material

Lloyds Metals to Build Rs 250 billion Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 250 billion aimed at transforming Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from a region once associated with the red corridor into a key industrial and growth hub. The company’s plans are centred on establishing an integrated steel production ecosystem, which will contribute significantly to regional development and employment. As part of its expansion strategy, LMEL is setting up a 4.5-million-tonne blast furnace in Gadchiroli, scheduled for completion by 2027–28, along with another 1.2-million-tonne facility in Chandrapur by 2029..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

UPI Crosses 500 Million Users, Fuels MSME and Digital Growth

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved a new milestone, surpassing 500 million consumers and 65 million merchants across India. The platform, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has expanded its reach to nearly 99 percent of the country’s pin codes, underlining its deep penetration into both urban and rural markets. According to a report by NPCI and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) launched during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, UPI has evolved from being a digital payments mechanism into a key enabler of financial inclusion and small business growth. I..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?