Sri Vijaya Puram, June 21: Describing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a defining frontier for India’s future, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday called for accelerated development, stronger infrastructure and collective action to unlock the islands’ strategic and economic potential.
Delivering the keynote address at the Andaman Ideas Summit 2026, Rijiju said India stands at a critical juncture where decisions taken today will determine the country’s place in the global order throughout the 21st century. He argued that the development of the islands is not merely a regional concern but a national imperative linked to economic growth, maritime security and geopolitical influence.
The minister repeatedly stressed that nation-building cannot be left solely to governments. Development, he said, is a partnership between elected representatives, policymakers, entrepreneurs, civil society and citizens.
“When people and governments work together, progress becomes sustainable,” he told the gathering, which included policymakers, business leaders, maritime experts and investors.
Highlighting a broader transformation in governance since 2014, Rijiju said the administration under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought to move away from a model in which governments function as rulers. Instead, he said, public institutions must act as facilitators and servants of the people, focused on delivering results and improving lives.
A recurring theme throughout the address was the urgency of development. Rijiju expressed concern that India had lost valuable decades after Independence and argued that the country now needs to accelerate reforms and infrastructure creation to bridge the gap with more advanced economies.
Drawing comparisons with countries such as Singapore and South Korea, he said India must benchmark itself against global success stories while leveraging its own unique strengths and demographic advantages.
The minister devoted considerable attention to the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Situated near some of the world’s busiest shipping routes, the islands, he said, occupy a position that few nations possess. However, geographical advantage alone would not guarantee success unless supported by infrastructure, investment and effective governance.
He argued that India’s maritime ambitions and supply-chain resilience would increasingly depend on how effectively the islands are integrated into the country’s long-term development strategy.
Rijiju also highlighted the transformative role of infrastructure in empowering citizens. Recalling improvements in connectivity to his home state in northeastern India, he said investments in roads, airports and communication networks dramatically reduced travel time and expanded economic opportunities. Similar investments in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he suggested, could unlock comparable benefits.
The minister warned against what he described as misinformation and misleading narratives in the digital age. While acknowledging the importance of public debate and democratic participation, he cautioned that misinformation campaigns could distract attention from genuine developmental priorities.
Referring to major infrastructure initiatives, Rijiju identified the Great Nicobar project as one of the most significant national undertakings currently underway. He described it as a project that could shape India’s strategic trajectory and strengthen the country’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
According to the minister, decisions concerning the islands cannot be viewed purely through a commercial lens. Strategic autonomy, maritime security and national interests must also be considered when evaluating large-scale development initiatives.
He further praised Lieutenant Governor Admiral D K Joshi for his leadership and understanding of the islands’ challenges and opportunities. Rijiju said the administration’s efforts reflected a long-term commitment to the region’s growth and integration into national development priorities.
Addressing criticism directed at government projects, the minister said opposition and debate are natural in a democracy but argued that development initiatives should ultimately be judged by outcomes and benefits delivered to citizens.
Throughout his speech, Rijiju emphasized that the vision for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands must be inclusive, ensuring that economic growth benefits local communities while strengthening India’s strategic reach in the Indo-Pacific region.
He also acknowledged the role of forums such as the Andaman Ideas Summit, thanking participants for contributing ideas and policy suggestions. Intellectual engagement and stakeholder consultation, he said, are essential for transforming ambitious plans into executable projects.
Concluding his address, the minister urged stakeholders not to lose sight of the opportunities before them. Missing the current window for development, he cautioned, would mean losing a historic chance to redefine the future of the islands and their role in India’s growth story.
His remarks capped one of the summit’s most anticipated sessions, reinforcing the central message that the future of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will depend on a combination of vision, execution and collective commitment.
