GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND — The Indian government allocated $9 billion for infrastructure development on Great Nicobar Island, an Indian Ocean archipelago governed by India. The project includes plans for a civilian airport, a military airport, a transshipment port, a power plant, and a new township to be constructed over a period of thirty years.
A government press release stated the initiative aims to enhance national security, strengthen the islands' economic position, and accelerate regional development. The Bharatiya Janata Party characterized the development in social media posts as a strategic measure intended to counter Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean. Maritime researcher Nitya Labh stated, "If we think about global choke points today, especially in light of conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, India is one of many countries that are looking to secure their own supply lines." Labh stated, "The project here is a great opportunity to do that because it sits along such a major international shipping route."
Scholars and former military personnel have raised concerns about the project. Manish Chandi, a scholar, stated, "The project sounds like an open invitation to disaster. It poses a threat to a huge amount of natural resources, its biological diversity and its indigenous communities." Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav stated, "The project poses no threat to the island's tribal groups, does not come in the way of any species and does not jeopardize the eco-sensitivity of the region."
Former Indian naval officer Abhijit Singh noted that the island's location, over 700 miles from the Indian mainland, creates logistical challenges for a transshipment port. Singh stated, "This strategic and commercial gain that we are talking about seems to me a bit notional." Singh stated, "But the damage to the environment is going to be very real." Road construction for the development was documented in March 2026, cutting through forest areas of the island.
The island is inhabited by leatherback sea turtles and Nicobarese pigeons. Prior to migration from mainland India decades ago, the indigenous population numbered approximately 1,000. Travel to the island from the Indian mainland requires a flight and a 30-hour ferry ride. The planned township infrastructure is designed to accommodate one million tourists annually. The project area covers land approximately twice the size of Manhattan.