The Andaman and Nicobar Islands celebrated the 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, with the main function held at Marina Park Road in Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair). Lieutenant Governor Admiral D K Joshi (Retd.) hoisted the national flag and delivered the official address, outlining progress across tourism, connectivity, infrastructure, and strategic development in the Union Territory.
Addressing the gathering, Joshi said the occasion reaffirmed the sanctity of the Constitution, democratic values, and collective responsibility towards national development. He paid tribute to freedom fighters, stating that their sacrifices continue to guide India’s journey as a democratic nation aligned with the national vision of a developed India.
Highlighting tourism growth, the Lieutenant Governor said the islands recorded an approximate 15 per cent increase in domestic and foreign tourist arrivals compared to the previous year. He added that foreign tourist arrivals for game fishing rose by nearly 35 per cent, attributing the growth to natural biodiversity, improved connectivity, and coordinated tourism development.
Joshi announced that the Government of India has granted final approval for the development of five-star luxury resorts under the public-private partnership model at Megapode Resort, Avis Island, Shaheed Dweep, and Long Island, in line with environmental and international standards. Experience-based tourism initiatives such as the Barren Island Cruise, Dweep Darshan Heritage Harbour Cruise, and regulated tourism across 21 identified islands have been launched.
He said the acquisition of five yachts under the yacht marina scheme reflected growing investor confidence in high-end maritime tourism. Policies for bird-watching, caravan tourism, luxury tents, houseboat tourism, and astro-tourism have been updated, with 95 local youth trained as astro-tourism guides. Standard operating procedures for adventure activities, including flyboarding, water jetpacks, and submarine scooters, have been notified, while scuba diving guidelines have been aligned with international norms.
On connectivity, the Lieutenant Governor said sustainable development remains a priority, with seaplane services, water aerodromes, helicopter operations, and airport expansion underway. Civil terminal facilities at Shivpur and Carnicobar are ready, while work at Campbell Bay is nearing completion. Jetties, ports, and shipping infrastructure are also being upgraded.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd. has been assigned the construction of new 1,500-metric-ton cargo vessels with passenger capacity, similar to MV Sindhu and MV Nalanda, alongside the replacement of older ships. A ship chartering programme involving 32 vessels at an annual cost of Rs 320 crore is currently in progress.
Joshi said projects under the Islands Development Agency have attracted investments exceeding Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Major initiatives such as the submarine optical fibre cable, Azad Hind Fauj Setu, and development projects in Great Nicobar, including the International Container Transhipment Terminal and a new Greenfield international airport, were highlighted as strategically significant.
The celebrations featured a parade by contingents from the defence forces, Andaman and Nicobar Police, Forest Department, NCC, and school students. Tableaux presented by various departments showcased developmental themes, while the Andaman and Nicobar Police performed a daredevil bullet show, executing stunts on moving motorcycles. The event concluded with cultural dance performances by students depicting India’s unity and diversity.
