In a significant move to bolster national security and regional influence, India is reviving a historic air base in the northeast, reflecting growing geopolitical concerns over Bangladesh’s increasing proximity to China.
New Delhi, May 27, 2025 — India is set to revive an abandoned air base from the 1971 Indo-Pak war in Arunachal Pradesh, a move widely seen as part of a broader strategic response to Bangladesh’s expanding defense and economic ties with China. The restoration of this dormant facility underscores India’s renewed focus on northeastern defense infrastructure and military preparedness in response to shifting regional dynamics.
According to defense sources, the airstrip in question, located near the India-Bangladesh border and dormant since the end of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, will be modernized to support fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, and unmanned aerial systems. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to play a key role in operationalizing the base, which offers strategic reach across Bangladesh and toward the Bay of Bengal.
Keywords: India air base revival, Bangladesh-China relations, India-China border tensions, Indian Air Force, strategic military infrastructure, Arunachal Pradesh airstrip, 1971 war air base, Indo-Pacific security
Strategic Message Amid China’s Growing Presence
The decision comes amid Bangladesh’s deepening ties with China, including recent defense procurements and infrastructure collaborations under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). New Delhi has grown increasingly wary of China’s footprint in the Bay of Bengal, particularly with recent reports of Chinese naval vessels docking at ports in Chittagong and Payra.
While India and Bangladesh share historically strong relations, analysts note that Dhaka’s tilt towards Beijing has complicated India’s security calculus. “This revival sends a clear message — India is watching developments closely and is willing to act decisively to protect its strategic interests,” said a former IAF official familiar with the matter.
A Nod to History, A Step Toward the Future
Originally built during the 1971 India-Pakistan conflict, the air base served as a key launch point for air support to the Mukti Bahini in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The symbolic reactivation of the facility not only reinforces India’s military heritage but also demonstrates intent to respond to contemporary security challenges.
The infrastructure upgrade will also enhance India’s surveillance capabilities along the eastern frontier. The Ministry of Defence has hinted that this may be one of several dormant airfields in the northeast slated for modernization under India’s broader military readiness strategy.
Broader Defense Posturing in the Northeast
India has ramped up military activity in the northeast in recent years. From improved road and rail connectivity to the deployment of advanced missile systems and drones, the region has become central to India’s effort to counter potential threats from both China and its allies.
Defense analysts believe this latest development marks a shift from passive monitoring to active deterrence. “India is ensuring that it is not outflanked in its own neighborhood. The revival of this air base enhances flexibility, responsiveness, and signals strength,” said an expert on South Asian security affairs.
Conclusion
As China deepens its ties with Bangladesh, India’s revival of its 1971 war-era air base highlights a clear recalibration of defense priorities in the eastern theatre. Beyond being a historic tribute, the move reflects a forward-looking strategy aimed at maintaining regional balance and securing India’s strategic footprint in the Indo-Pacific.
