Rajasthan, India — The Indian Air Force (IAF) has begun a series oflanding and takeoff exercises near Agarawa village, located close tothe Rajasthan–Gujaratborder, in what defense observers describe as a move to enhanceoperational readiness along the western frontier.
According to defense sources, the exercises are part of efforts to identifya strategically viable site that could serve as a makeshift airbase forthe IAF. The location is particularly significant as it lies near the SirCreek region, a long-disputed area between India and Pakistan that hasoften been at the center of maritime and border tensions.
Military analysts suggest that this new site could act as a contingencyoperational base in the event of any escalation or if the Bhuj Air ForceStation — located roughly 100 kilometers away — is renderednon-operational during conflict.
The timing of these drills comes amid a renewed phase of regional unease,with both New Delhi and Islamabad sharpening their surveillance and defensemeasures along the border. The Sir Creek area, though relatively quiet inrecent years, remains a strategic flashpoint due to its proximity tovital coastal and defense installations on both sides.
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While there has been no official confirmation from the Indian defenseministry regarding permanent deployment in the region, experts note thatthe move demonstrates India’s intent to secure vulnerable border zonesand maintain air dominance in the event of a confrontation with Pakistan.