The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly defended the Great Nicobar project, describing it as one of India’s most critical geo-strategic and economic initiatives, even as the Congress has raised objections over environmental and tribal rights concerns.
In an exclusive interaction with The Wave Andaman, BJP national spokesperson Tuhin Sinha countered Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s statement that called the project a “grave misadventure.” He said the project, which includes a transshipment terminal and phased settlement plans, will strengthen India’s position in the Indo-Pacific and should not be stalled by political opposition.
“The Great Nicobar project carries huge geo-strategic significance. Situated barely 150 km from Indonesia and near the Strait of Malacca, through which nearly 35% of global sea trade passes, its development ensures India does not fall behind in regional maritime influence,” Sinha said. He added that over the next 20 years, the government envisions building a modern, eco-friendly hub with plans to settle around four lakh people in phases while safeguarding local tribal communities.
Responding to concerns about the indigenous Nicobarese and Shompens, whose combined population is around 1,300, Sinha stressed that their protection remains a priority. “It is incumbent upon the government to ensure their habitation is not affected. The National Green Tribunal has reviewed and cleared the project, making sure sustainable development principles are followed,” he said.
Sinha compared the debate around Great Nicobar with past controversies over projects like the Statue of Unity and national expressways, arguing that major infrastructure developments always face environmental scrutiny but eventually serve national interests. “Development and the environment have to coexist. India cannot afford to be left behind while other nations surge ahead,” he said.
On political opposition, the BJP spokesperson accused the Congress of routinely opposing projects of long-term national value. “If the Congress Party vehemently opposes something, you can be rest assured it is in the nation’s interest. This has been their history, ignoring the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for decades and delaying key infrastructure decisions,” he said.
Sinha argued that while China and Pakistan have reasons to feel uneasy about India’s maritime expansion, Congress’s resistance was misplaced. “One of the biggest successes of the Modi government has been strengthening India’s maritime and defense presence. Why should Congress be afraid of India’s growing reach in the Indo-Pacific?” he questioned.
He added that the non-tribal population of Great Nicobar, numbering around 4,000-5,000, has been settled since the 1970s, showing that the island’s development has been part of a long-term vision. “Sustainable development cannot be postponed indefinitely. The project is essential for India’s economic future and strategic security,” Sinha said.
Even as the BJP frames the Great Nicobar project as a future-ready development, critics including Congress maintain that its environmental impact, displacement concerns, and fragile island ecosystem cannot be overlooked. With clearances secured but opposition persisting, the project continues to spark a national debate balancing growth with sustainability.
