By Prensa Latina,
New Delhi : India´s Defense Ministry requested allocations to modernize and convert what it calls a “permanent exploration airfield” at Arunachal Pradesh state into an air base.
The Asian Age says the decision meets domestic strategic defence needs and is clear indication that India will not compromise strategic interests, namely at border areas.
Arunachal Pradesh and other border areas that India shares with China are involved in old bilateral territorial claims, although the parties have chosen diplomatic settlement as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh confirmed on his January visit to Beijing.
India also plans to build a civilian airport in Arunachal Pradesh whose capital uses the services at Lakhimpur, near 25 miles from Assam.
The Indian Armed Force will also enhance an copter base in north Leh and east of Siachen Glacial and Karakoram mountains, in Jammu-Cashmir, a key channel to supply the troops amid an emergency. They are also targets of territorial dispute of dispute with Pakistan.