Gurugram: Stressing the strategic and economic importance of the Great Nicobar Project, Major General (Retd.) Arvind Bhatia said on Friday that the ambitious development plan in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will significantly enhance India’s maritime capabilities, reduce dependence on foreign ports, and strengthen surveillance over key global shipping routes.
Speaking to IANS on the project’s geopolitical relevance, Bhatia underlined that proximity to the Strait of Malacca — one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints — places India in a stronger position to monitor international trade and strategic movements, particularly those involving China.
“China is a major factor here. Any ship moving from the Pacific Ocean into the Indian Ocean comes through routes like the Sunda Strait, Lombok Strait, or the Strait of Malacca. The Malacca Strait is the busiest among them. If India is positioned closer to this route, it enhances the effectiveness of our naval forces, Coast Guard, and surveillance systems,” he said.
He added, “This is a very big step to monitor China’s influence, presence and trade in the region, and therefore there will be opposition from China. If the opposition parties are opposing in this way, then somewhere this question will also be asked that is China’s game not being played by our opposition parties? On such national security issues, there should be unity and politics should not be involved.”
Bhatia noted that the project includes the development of an international transshipment container terminal, a greenfield airport, and the establishment of military infrastructure, including naval and air force enclaves.
He added that such infrastructure will allow fighter aircraft deployment and strengthen India’s rapid response capabilities in the region.
Highlighting the economic dimension, he said the transshipment terminal is expected to handle around 1.62 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), making it one of the largest in the region.
“Currently, nearly 75 per cent of India’s container traffic is dependent on foreign ports. This project will significantly reduce that dependence and boost domestic capacity,” Bhatia noted.
He also said that the strategic relevance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands gained renewed focus after 2018, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed comprehensive mapping and surveys of the islands by the Indian Navy.
“The renaming of key islands, including Ross Island to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, and Havelock and Neil Islands to Swaraj and Shaheed Islands, reflects their historical and strategic importance,” Bhatia added.
Drawing parallels with global chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, Major General (Retd.) Bhatia said maritime routes have become critical to global trade and security.
“Nearly 30 per cent of global trade passes through the Strait of Malacca. A substantial portion of China’s trade also moves through this route. Strengthening India’s presence here will improve monitoring and enhance maritime domain awareness,” he added.
On concerns and criticism surrounding the project, including remarks by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Bhatia urged political consensus on national security initiatives.
“Whenever such strategic assets are developed, there should be bipartisan support. National interest must remain supreme, and such projects should not be opposed merely for political reasons,” he asserted.
He added, “On issues like the Rafale deal, the Galwan Valley clash and remarks related to military matters, questions have been raised for political reasons by the Opposition. Such questions should not be asked for brownie points. National interest is supreme, and on projects like the Great Nicobar Island development, the Opposition should extend full support rather than oppose it.”
He also emphasised that the project envisages the creation of a new urban settlement for the local population, while ensuring that forest use remains limited and regulated.
According to Major General (Retd.) Bhatia, the initiative balances development needs with environmental considerations while advancing national security goals.
The Great Nicobar Project is being seen as a transformative initiative that combines economic growth, infrastructure development, and strategic military preparedness, positioning India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region.
(IANS)
