Defence veterans have expressed strong support for the Great Nicobar Project in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, citing its importance for India’s maritime security, economic growth, and strategic positioning. This backing comes in response to concerns raised by Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi regarding potential environmental degradation and risks to indigenous communities in the region.
Former Air Chief Marshal R. K. S. Bhadauria refuted the allegations of ecological harm, labeling them as unfounded and lacking a comprehensive understanding of the project’s scope and long-term benefits. He clarified that the initiative, spearheaded by NITI Aayog, has been in progress since 2021 as part of an integrated development plan for the strategically significant island.
Bhadauria highlighted the key components of the project, including the construction of an international transshipment port, a large-scale capacity building effort, and the establishment of an international airport to serve both civilian and military needs, including a defense enclave. He underscored the strategic value of Great Nicobar’s location, situated approximately 150 km from the Malacca Strait, a crucial global maritime chokepoint.
Emphasizing the longstanding discussions on enhancing infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bhadauria noted that the region’s capacity building requirements and the reinforcement of the Andaman and Nicobar Command have been repeatedly emphasized by the Defense services over the past two decades. Retired Major General K. K. Sinha also criticized Rahul Gandhi and the Congress for their opposition to the project, labeling their stance as “unfortunate.”
