India planning new airport in Lakshadweep for commercial, defence use amid Maldives row: Report

Currently, the only airport in Lakshadweep is in Agatti Island

Amid the raging controversy over Maldivian ministers' derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his visit to Lakshadweep, a report on January 9 said that India is planning a new airport in the island region for commercial and defence usage.

The airport is being planned in Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep, ANI reported, citing government sources.

"The plan is to have a joint airfield that would be capable of operating fighter jets, military transport planes and commercial aircraft," the sources told the news agency.

Strategic importance

An airport in Minicoy is expected to be strategically crucial, as the island is close to one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. The island is located near shipping channel number 9, from where around 300 ships pass daily, according to a CNN-News 18 report.

According to the ANI report, the Indian Coast Guard was the first to suggest for an airport in Minicoy. The Indian Air Force would be at the forefront of its operations, the report added, citing the proposal.

Moneycontrol could not independently verify the development.

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Likely boost tourism

The report of India planning an airport in Minicoy comes at a time when social media is abuzz with angst against the Maldives. Several netizens have appealed to travellers to visit Lakshadweep, instead of the neighbouring South Asian archipelago.

The controversy erupted last week after three Maldivian deputy ministers used "derogatory" language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their statement, on social media, came in the aftermath of Modi sharing the images of his recent visit to Lakshadweep, which was followed by a debate on social media about whether the Indian islands are more beautiful as compared to the Maldives.

Male, after taking cognisance of the remarks made by the three ministers -- Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Sharyf and Mahzoom Majid -- suspended them from the government for their "insulting" statements.