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Defence Veterans Back Great Nicobar Project, Call It Vital for India's Strategic Interests

Defence veterans have strongly backed the Great Nicobar Project, emphasizing its importance for India’s maritime security and economic growth. Former Air Chief Marshal R. K. S. Bhadauria dismissed environmental concerns raised by Rahul Gandhi as baseless. The project, estimated at Rs 72,000 crore, includes a transshipment port, international airport, and defence enclave. Critics continue to raise concerns over environmental impact and implications for local tribal communities.

Key Points: Defence Veterans Support Great Nicobar Project for Strategic Edge

  • Defence veterans support Great Nicobar Project
  • Project includes transshipment port and international airport
  • Located near Malacca Strait, a key maritime chokepoint
  • Critics raise environmental and tribal concerns
3 min read

Defence veterans support Great Nicobar Project, call it vital for India's strategic, economic interests

Defence veterans back the Great Nicobar Project, citing strategic and economic benefits, dismissing Rahul Gandhi’s environmental concerns.

"Nearly 25-30 per cent of global sea trade passes through the Malacca Strait… This makes the region extremely significant from a geopolitical and security standpoint. - R. K. S. Bhadauria"

New Delhi, April 30

Defence veterans have strongly backed the Great Nicobar Project in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, terming it crucial for India's maritime security, economic growth and strategic positioning, while dismissing concerns raised by Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi over environmental degradation.

LoP Gandhi flagged potential ecological damage and risks to indigenous communities in the islands.

However, former Air Chief Marshal R. K. S. Bhadauria rejected the allegations, describing them as "baseless" and lacking a comprehensive understanding of the project's scope and long-term significance.

Bhadauria said the initiative, driven by NITI Aayog, is not a recent development but dates back to 2021 and is part of an integrated development plan for the strategically located island.

"It is important to understand this project and its importance. This is an integrated development plan under which an international transshipment port will be built, along with large-scale capacity building. There will also be an international airport catering to both civilian and military needs, including a defence enclave," the former Air Chief told IANS.

Highlighting the strategic value of the location, he noted that Great Nicobar lies nearly 150 km from the Malacca Strait, one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints.

"Nearly 25-30 per cent of global sea trade passes through the Malacca Strait, and about 75 per cent of China's energy imports move along this route. This makes the region extremely significant from a geopolitical and security standpoint," Bhadauria added.

He also emphasised that the idea of strengthening infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been under discussion for decades.

"Over the past 20 years, Defence services have repeatedly highlighted the need for capacity building in this region and strengthening the Andaman and Nicobar Command," he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, retired Major General K. K. Sinha criticised Rahul Gandhi and the Congress for opposing the project, calling their stance "unfortunate".

"It is very unfortunate. Rahul Gandhi belongs to a system that had handed over 38,000 square km of Aksai Chin to China. He is talking about the environment and tree cutting but not recognising that this project could be a major strategic and economic win for the country," Sinha said.

The Great Nicobar Project, estimated at around Rs 72,000 crore, includes plans for a transshipment port, an international airport, power infrastructure and township development.

While the Union government has positioned it as a transformative initiative to boost trade and security, critics continue to raise concerns over its environmental impact and implications for local tribal communities.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I'm all for national security, but Rs 72,000 crore project in ecologically sensitive area needs careful handling. The indigenous Shompen and Nicobarese tribes have lived there for centuries. We should learn from past mistakes - look at what unchecked development did to other island ecosystems. A balanced approach with proper environmental impact assessment and tribal consultation is needed, not just bulldozing everything.
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Michael C
Interesting read. As someone who follows geopolitics, this makes perfect sense. The Malacca Strait is indeed critical - about 80% of China's oil passes through it. Having Indian infrastructure there is a strategic hedge. However, the environmental impact committee should be independent and transparent. Projects can be green if properly planned.
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Ananya R
Rahul Gandhi's point about tree cutting is valid - we're talking about pristine tropical rainforests! But the country can't keep sacrificing development for environmental purity either. The veterans have a point about how long we've delayed this. Maybe the solution is to plant 10 times more trees elsewhere and use green construction methods. We need both security AND environment.
K
Karthik V
The former Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria's reasoning is solid - this has been discussed for 20 years! Our defence forces have been begging for this infrastructure. And Congress talking about environment? Major General Sinha rightly pointed out their hypocrisy - they gave away Aksai Chin! We need this port, the airport, and the defence enclave. China is watching every move we make. No more delays! 🔥
R
Rajesh Q
Every time there's

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