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Vice-Admiral Arun Kumar Singh revealed
military plans to expand its
operations in the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands (A&N) to include three new
airbases, increase in coast guard
troop levels, and strengthening
infrastructure of existing facilities.
A&N is strategically crucial because
it is close to the pirate-infested
Straits of Malacca and is the
stepping-stone to eastbound trade.
Singh said that they found a 3000-feet
World War II runway at Kamorta Island
in good condition, which will be
developed as an airbase. The other two
will be at Campbell Bay and Diglipur
after existing runways will be
enhanced to handle transport and
fighter planes. India already has a
strong naval presence in Nicobar
Islands. China has built a navy base
on a Myanmar island at the mouth of
the Strait. Although the area was
badly affected with Dec 26, 2004
tsunami, defense forces quickly
rebuilt the area and held several
exercises which included Sukhoi and
Jaguar aircraft. Historically,
dominant Indian kingdoms had always
maintained their presence at
Nakkavaram (as it was called then) to
facilitate trade with China, Sri
Vijaya (Sumatra), and Mataram (Bali),
and Kadaram (Kedah).
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