Gurugram, May 1: Major General (Retd) Arvind Bhatia has emphasized the strategic significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Great Nicobar Project. During a discussion, he highlighted key aspects such as limited forest usage, the proposed container terminal, and the reduction of reliance on foreign shipping. He urged all political parties to support these national importance projects.
Bhatia stated that a new city will be established for the local population under this project. Initially, an international transshipment container terminal will be constructed, along with a greenfield airport for both civilian and military purposes. Additionally, military assets, naval bases, and air force stations will be set up in the area. The project’s importance has increased since 2018 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed extensive mapping of the islands and assigned the Navy to conduct detailed surveys.
He noted that the Ross Island was renamed after Subhas Chandra Bose, while Havelock and Neil Islands were renamed Swaraj and Shaheed, respectively. Historically, Bose established a base in this region during the freedom struggle, and the current government has emphasized the importance of this area and its infrastructure development.
Bhatia explained that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands consist of a group of 836 islands, located approximately 1200-1300 km from the Indian mainland, and are closer to countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Out of these islands, only 38 are currently inhabited, with a total population of around 350,000. The project will be developed in the eastern part of Great Nicobar Island.
According to Bhatia, only 1.82 percent of the forest area will be utilized for the project, while 82 percent will remain untouched. An international container transshipment terminal will be established with a capacity of 1.62 million TEUs.
He pointed out that China is a significant factor in this context. If a ship needs to enter the Indian Ocean from the Pacific, it passes through the Sunda Strait, Lombok Strait, or Malacca Strait, with the latter being the largest. Proximity to these straits will enhance the effectiveness of Indian ships, surveillance systems, coast guard, and naval forces. The establishment of an international transshipment terminal and a greenfield airport will also allow fighter jets to operate and redeploy from this location.
This project is a substantial step to monitor China’s influence, presence, and trade in the region, which is why it may face opposition from China. Bhatia questioned whether opposition parties are inadvertently playing into China’s hands by opposing such initiatives. He stressed that unity is essential on national security issues, and politics should not interfere.
Responding to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s comments on the Great Nicobar Project, Bhatia asserted its strategic importance and significant military implications, highlighting its crucial role in the maritime domain.
Considering all these aspects, the project aims to create a vital national asset, including one of the largest international container transshipment terminals with a capacity of 1.62 million TEUs. Currently, about 75 percent of India’s container handling relies on foreign ports, and this project will significantly reduce that dependency, strengthening domestic capabilities. Bhatia emphasized that this is a critical project that should not be opposed for political gain or publicity.
He reiterated that opposition parties should support the government on such national or strategic assets rather than opposing them simply because they are government initiatives. Questions related to military matters, such as the Rafale deal and the Galwan Valley conflict, should not be raised for political reasons. National interest must take precedence, and opposition should fully support projects like the Great Nicobar Island development instead of resisting them.
Bhatia concluded by stating that the Hormuz Strait has demonstrated the importance of maritime chokepoints. The Great Nicobar Island is located about 100 kilometers from the Malacca Strait, which is a crucial chokepoint through which nearly 30 percent of global trade passes, including a significant portion of China’s trade. Strengthening India’s military, naval, and surveillance presence here will enhance its capabilities in the maritime domain and improve control over this chokepoint. Therefore, developing such infrastructure around the Malacca Strait is vital from a strategic and national security perspective.
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