New Delhi/Sri Vijaya Puram, June 13: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are steadily emerging as a critical pillar of India’s maritime, economic and strategic ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, Lieutenant Governor Admiral D K Joshi said while outlining an ambitious vision for the Union Territory at a conference in New Delhi.
Addressing the conference on “Andaman and Nicobar: Development, Security and Ecology” organised by the India Foundation at the India Habitat Centre, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted a series of ongoing and proposed projects that he said are reshaping the Islands into a key hub for connectivity, tourism, defence and sustainable development.
The event brought together policymakers, experts and stakeholders to discuss the future trajectory of the Islands amid growing geopolitical interest in the Indo-Pacific region. Opening remarks were delivered by Ram Madhav.
Speaking during the inaugural session, Admiral Joshi said the Islands have witnessed significant transformation in recent years under the broader vision of Viksit Bharat. He noted that their location provides a strategic advantage in strengthening India’s maritime presence and defence preparedness.
Among the projects highlighted was the proposed International Container Transshipment Port at Great Nicobar, which is expected to enhance India’s position in global shipping and logistics. The Lieutenant Governor also referred to the holistic development programme planned for Great Nicobar, describing it as a transformative initiative with long-term economic and strategic significance.
Tourism infrastructure featured prominently in the presentation, with plans for world-class hospitality facilities and enhanced connectivity aimed at attracting greater domestic and international tourist arrivals. The administration is also pursuing expansion of aviation infrastructure, including runway upgrades and airport development projects.
Admiral Joshi highlighted recent achievements that have helped place the Islands on the global tourism map, including two Guinness World Records related to underwater activities. Such accomplishments, he said, reinforce the Islands’ growing reputation as a premier destination for scuba diving and marine tourism.
The Lieutenant Governor also reviewed progress on key connectivity projects. He highlighted the completion of the Azad Hind Fauj Setu and ongoing efforts to build the Middle Strait Bridge, both of which are expected to improve transportation links across the archipelago.
Future infrastructure plans include a greenfield international airport at Great Nicobar and another proposed airport project in Sri Vijaya Puram. Runway extensions at INS Baaz and INS Kohassa are also being pursued to enhance connectivity and strategic capabilities.
Digital infrastructure is another area receiving significant attention. The administration has expanded high-speed connectivity through a 200 Gbps optical fibre cable network and is pursuing submarine cable connectivity to Katchal, Teressa and Nicobar to strengthen communication links in remote islands.
On the energy front, Admiral Joshi reiterated the administration’s goal of achieving complete de-dieselisation by 2029. He also spoke about exploring emerging technologies such as Small Modular Reactors as part of long-term energy planning.
The Lieutenant Governor further highlighted recent hydrocarbon exploration developments, noting that indications of methane-rich natural gas, crude oil and condensates have generated optimism regarding the Islands’ resource potential.
Tourism initiatives such as the Blue Flag-certified Radhanagar Beach and the proposed “Ten Beach Vision” were also presented as important components of the administration’s tourism growth strategy.
Looking ahead, Admiral Joshi outlined plans for a deep-water port at Atlanta Bay and efforts to position the Islands as a shipbuilding and ship-repair hub serving the wider Indian Ocean Region.
Concluding his address, the Lieutenant Governor said the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are no longer viewed as a remote group of islands but are increasingly recognised as India’s gateway to the Indo-Pacific and a significant contributor to the country’s future growth and strategic aspirations.
