India focuses on infra buildup along LAC with new Nyoma airbase

INDIA continues to scale up infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) despite the recent thaw in ties with China. The strategically important Mudh-Nyoma airbase in Ladakh was fully operationalised on Wednesday, two years after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid its foundation stone. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, landed at the spot on board a C-130J transport aircraft; notably, it was a low-key affair. Located just 25-30 km from the LAC, the airbase is expected to boost the combat readiness of the armed forces as it can now be used by fighter jets, helicopters and transport planes. This has been a critical requirement in view of China’s all-out expansion of airfields along the LAC since 2020, the year in which a protracted border standoff had begun.

The development comes just a fortnight after the Indian and Chinese militaries held a fresh round of high-level talks that focused on maintaining peace and tranquillity in eastern Ladakh. It’s admirable that both nations continue to communicate through military and diplomatic channels, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to China in August — his first in seven years — reflecting New Delhi’s keenness to normalise relations with Beijing. However, trust deficit still prevails on the ground, with both sides in no mood to let their guard down.

China is reportedly building a helicopter facility north of the LAC in Zanda County, a stronghold of the People’s Liberation Army. Besides establishing new bases and helipads, it is also expanding road and rail networks near the LAC with the aim of facilitating faster troop movement. This relentless focus on infrastructure development in border areas implies that Beijing is not keen to resolve the long-festering boundary issue. Moreover, the resumption of direct flights shows that Beijing has managed to make Delhi delink economic ties from the border dispute. India needs to weigh the pros and cons of this transactional relationship.