Story perspectives

India Invests $2 Billion in Military Airport to Counter China

2/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

India plans a military airport on Great Nicobar Island at 150 billion rupees (S$2 billion) to counter China’s influence in the Indian Ocean.
The Cabinet-approved project extends runways at two existing airstrips and supports tourism.
The site by the Malacca Strait enables monitoring of shipping and Chinese naval movements.
Operations are expected within three years; the upgrades strengthen India’s counterbalance to China and benefit the United States, Japan, and Australia.

1 of 1

Story summary

India plans a military airport on Great Nicobar Island at 150 billion rupees (S$2 billion) to counter China’s influence in the Indian Ocean.
The Cabinet-approved project extends runways at two existing airstrips and supports tourism.
The site by the Malacca Strait enables monitoring of shipping and Chinese naval movements.
Operations are expected within three years; the upgrades strengthen India’s counterbalance to China and benefit the United States, Japan, and Australia.