This tiny Indian island holds the power to keep china at bay??

Of Lakshadweep's 36 islands, only 10 are inhabited. The population is estimated to be around 73,000 (2020 UIDAI projection). But Lakshadweep gives India 20,000 sq. km of territorial waters and 4,00,000 sq km of Easy Economic Zone (EEZ). The Indian defense infrastructure in Lakshadweep has been enhanced over thee years. According to various sources, a 2,500-metre-long airstrip at the Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep is being planned.

Minicoy Island is close to Kochi which is one of the largest naval bases and this place is ease of diplomatic importance. It is Close to the Nine Degree Channel; 12 ships cross this channel every minute.

The Nine Degree Channel (it lies on the 9 degree line of Latitude, north of the equator) separates the island of Minicoy from the main Lakshadweep archipelago. It is 200 km wide with a depth of 2597 meters. It is strategically important as it is the passage of nearly all merchant shipping between Europe, the Middle-East and Western Asia with South-East Asia and the Far-East.

The airstrip project, which involves suggestions from the civil aviation and home ministries, Navy, Air Force and coast guards, is likely to be completed in the next five years. It will have limited movement of commercial aircraft and will be owned by the Indian Air Force.

The coast guard will have a separate hanger, which will be useful for and increase patrolling in the area. Forces can use choppers to intercept suspicious movement in the area. The project holds strategic importance as it will keep an eye on India's international borders, strengthen area domination and tourism. The airstrip will help India check the water area, which is being used by China as well as Pakistan. In war time, India can block the channel and cut enemy supply lines.

A bigger facility on Minicoy is also under Consideration, because of its proximity too the Maldives (71 nautical miles) China is building a port city in Sri Lanka, around 300 km from India. Similarly, it controls several islands in the Maldives and is building an airport there. From being in proximity to the Indian western coasts well as to other island

nations such as Sri Lanka and Maldives, to wide geographical spread makes Lakshadweep islands extremely important for ensuring security of Sea Lanes of Communications (SLOCs) and also for maritime security of India.