Kailashahar Airport Revival: India’s Strategic Response to Regional Military Dynamics
After three decades of dormancy, Kailashahar Airport revival in Tripura is being evaluated. The move signals India’s strategic intent amid rising China-Bangladesh military ties and reflects a push to boost Northeast connectivity.
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Kailashahar Airport Revival in Motion: A Strategic Move by India
In a significant development, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has dispatched a high-level team to assess Kailashahar Airport in Tripura’s Unakoti district. Dormant for over 30 years, this once-crucial airstrip is back in the spotlight—this time, not just for domestic connectivity, but also as a potential strategic deterrent in the region.
Kailashahar Airport Revival :Historical Significance Rooted in 1971
Kailashahar Airport played a pivotal role during the India-Pakistan war of 1971. It served as a base for the Indian Air Force and the Kilo Flight—the first resistance air unit of Bangladesh, operating under IAF command. Using a Canadian-built DHC-3 Otter and a French Alouette II helicopter, Kilo Flight carried out daring missions that laid the foundation of the modern Bangladesh Air Force.
Why Now? The Strategic Calculus Behind the Move
The Kailashahar Airport revival comes amid growing concerns over China’s increasing military and civil infrastructure support to Bangladesh, especially at Lalmonirhat near the Indian border. The fear of potential dual-use deployment—civil and military—by Beijing has prompted India to fast-track its response.
Kailashahar Airport revival is not just about transport—it’s about preparedness. With Tripura currently relying solely on Agartala Airport, enhancing air logistics in this northeastern region is now a strategic priority.
Infrastructure, Land, and Visibility Assessment Underway
AAI’s regional executive director visited Kailashahar on May 27 following instructions from the Civil Aviation Ministry and the state government. The team assessed land availability, visibility conditions, and existing infrastructure to determine the viability of reviving the airstrip.
Conclusion: A Message Beyond Borders
India’s focus on reviving the Kailashahar Airport is not merely a civil aviation update—it’s a clear message to Dhaka and Beijing. As regional tensions simmer and alliances shift, India is ensuring that it remains strategically agile, especially in the sensitive Northeast.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available news reports and strategic analysis. The purpose is to inform readers about current regional developments. It does not reflect any official position of the Government of India or its agencies.
