India inaugurated a new military airbase close to the disputed Himalayan border with China, with the Indian Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, making the inaugural landing of a C-130J transport aircraft, according to a defence official. The Mudh-Nyoma air force station, located in Ladakh at an altitude of about 4,000 meters, is capable of supporting fighter jet operations and marks the region’s third key airbase. The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the development.
The inauguration comes amid a gradual thaw in ties between the nuclear-armed neighbours, following a landmark pact in October 2024 aimed at easing military tensions along their de facto border. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited China, signaling a cautious attempt to stabilize bilateral relations. Despite these developments, Indian analysts and officials note that mistrust persists, with both sides maintaining a significant troop presence and continuing infrastructure build-up along the border.
The new airbase lies just 30 kilometres from the Line of Actual Control (LAC), giving India a strategic advantage in the region. Retired Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor highlighted on X that the facility “capable of fighter operations, will add a new challenge for both of our adversaries,” referring to China and Pakistan. He also noted that China maintains an airfield at a comparable elevation, underscoring the strategic nature of such high-altitude military installations.
India and China share a 3,800-kilometre border that has been poorly demarcated and disputed since the 1950s. The two countries fought a brief but intense war in 1962 over the frontier, and tensions flared again following a deadly border clash in 2020. The 2024 pact eased some restrictions, allowing for the resumption of direct flights and two-way visits, but both countries continue to keep a vigilant military posture in the region.
The Indian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence did not immediately respond to requests for comment, reflecting the sensitive nature of the airbase. Analysts note that the facility strengthens India’s high-altitude operational capabilities while also sending a clear strategic signal to neighbouring countries amid the ongoing regional security dynamics.
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