Many defense veterans have also expressed their support in favor of the island project.
ACM Bhadauria (Retd) has rejected Congress’s criticism as misplaced and highlighted that the project is extremely important for India’s national security, economic development and military posture. He stressed its strategic location to monitor the Strait of Malacca, another chokepoint after Hormuz, to keep an eye on China. Roughly 80% of China’s oil imports and a significant portion of its total cargo pass through this narrow waterway (the Strait of Malacca).
With China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean region, India needs a strong economic and military base in the Great Nicobar Islands.
The Rs 92,000 crore Great Nicobar mega-infrastructure project includes development of key infrastructure such as transshipment terminals, greenfield international airports, townships and power facilities with limited forest diversion, compensatory afforestation and no proposed displacement of indigenous communities.
Bhadauria’s comments come a day after Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Great Nicobar project in Campbell Bay was “one of the biggest scams and serious crimes against the natural and tribal heritage of the country”.
On February 16 this year, a bench of the National Green Tribunal had cleared the way for the Great Nicobar project, saying that taking into account its “strategic importance” and “other relevant considerations”, “we do not find any good grounds to interfere”. It had disposed of the applications related to environment clearance (EC) for the project, directing officials to “ensure full and strict compliance with the EC conditions”.
Reacting to the opposition to the project, ACM Bhadauria (Retd) said, “It is important to understand it from a strategic perspective, especially in the light of recent events, such as the ongoing conflict (in West Asia) and developments in the Strait of Hormuz.”
Strategically, it is important to understand that this project will give us the ability to be located only 150 km from the Strait of Malacca. Our overall domain awareness in both air and maritime domains will get a significant boost.
Citing the example of the Gulf crisis, Major General (retd) GS Rawat recently said, “We need to look at this (project) from an operational and strategic perspective, including its geographical alignment and maritime position. Recent global developments have shown how strategic choke points can be exploited, as seen around the Strait of Hormuz.
Similarly, the Strait of Malacca assumes even greater importance in the context of global trade and maritime movement… From an operational perspective, control or strong presence along such routes enhances strategic advantage, surveillance capabilities and maritime security. This is where the importance of the Great Nicobar Project lies, as it strengthens India’s position in monitoring and responding to the development of these vital sea routes.“
Air Vice Marshal PK Srivastava (Retd) said, “Whenever the Government of India undertakes a project, it consults a wide range of expert advisors from different fields. Every project is prepared after taking opinion from experts and conducting proper ground survey of the area. Such projects are not prepared sitting in Delhi alone – teams go to the site and assess all aspects.
“Any potential concerns or issues related to the Great Nicobar Island Project would have already been carefully considered during the planning process.”
Describing the project as a major strategic and economic win for the country, Major General Sinha (retd) said, “In the maritime sector, the Great Nicobar Project has created a stir in the country. Some people do not want the country to emerge in the world.”
Cautioning about China’s moves, former Border Roads Organization director general Lieutenant General (retd) Rajeev Chaudhary said, “If the project is delayed due to protests – especially through international pressure citing environmental concerns – then it may benefit China. Beijing is wary of such a project on Great Nicobar Island as it would increase India’s surveillance of maritime trade and military activities in the area...China’s ‘String of Pearls’ strategy – through ports such as Gwadar Port, Hambantota Port and Kyaukpyu Port – will be countered by a strong strategic and economic hub in Campbell Bay and Galathea Bay…Such opposition or negative narratives may inadvertently align with Chinese interests. This is a necessary project which ideally should have been implemented much earlier.”
