Sri Vijaya Puram: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Friday inaugurated a major runway upgrade at the Indian Air Force’s Car Nicobar air base, a move aimed at bolstering India’s strategic reach over the vital Malacca Strait.

The CDS arrived on the island at approximately 11:30 a.m., where he was received by Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, the commander-in-chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), along with other senior military leaders.

"The CDS inaugurated the resurfaced and upgraded runway at the Indian Air Force's Car Nicobar Air Base," an official confirmed.

Car Nicobar, situated about 535 km from Sri Vijaya Puram, previously bore the brunt of the 2004 Tsunami. The newly modernised infrastructure is designed to enhance the Air Force's rapid response capabilities and strengthen India’s military posture in the eastern Indian Ocean.

"The upgraded runway will give more strength to the eastern front due to its direct strategic oversight of the Malacca Strait, a global maritime lifeline/passage for international trade and energy supplies through ships," a senior official stated. "It will give the Indian Air Force (IAF) more ability for quick air operations."

Key improvements to the base include expanded apron areas to facilitate more efficient aircraft movement. Officials noted that the "facility will help the Indian Air Force to carry out long-range firing exercises in a minimal time."

A senior official from the Command added that the visit underscores the archipelago's role in national security and aligns with the government’s "Act East" policy. "The visit of CDS highlights the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for national security and our focus on 'Act East' policy, and the Prime Minister's vision for security & growth for all in the region," the official said.

During his tour, General Chauhan is also scheduled to open a new storage facility and visit the island's Tsunami Memorial.

With inputs from PTI