Several defense veterans also expressed support for the island project.
ACM Bhadauria (retd) dismissed the Congress criticism as misplaced and stressed that the project is vital to India’s national security, economic growth and military foothold. He emphasized that its strategic position is to monitor the Strait of Malacca, another chokepoint after the Strait of Hormuz, in order to contain China. Roughly speaking, 80% of China’s oil imports and a large portion of its cargo pass through this narrow waterway (the Strait of Malacca).
With China’s increasing 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 Greater Nicobar mega-infrastructure project includes critical infrastructure development such as transshipment terminals, greenfield international airport, towns and power facilities, as well as limited forest diversion, compensatory afforestation and no intention to displace indigenous communities.
Badauria’s remarks came a day after Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Great Nicobar project in Campbell Bay was “one of the biggest scams and worst crimes against the country’s natural and tribal heritage”.
On February 16 this year, a judge of the National Green Tribunal cleared the way for the Great Nicobar project, stating that “we do not find any good grounds for interference” given “the strategic importance of the project” and “other relevant considerations”. It has processed the application related to the environmental clearance (EC) for the project and issued instructions to the authorities to “ensure full and strict compliance with EC conditions”.
Responding to opposition to the project, ACM Bhadauria (Retd) said: “It is crucial to understand this from a strategic perspective, especially in light of recent events such as the ongoing conflict (in West Asia) and developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
Strategically, it is crucial to understand that this project will give us the ability to position ourselves just 150 kilometers away from the Strait of Malacca. Our overall domain awareness in the air and maritime domains will be significantly enhanced. “
Retired Major General GS Rawat recently said, citing the Gulf crisis as an example: “We need to look at this (project) from an operational and strategic perspective, including its geographical layout and maritime positioning. Recent global developments have shown how tactical choke points can be exploited, as seen around the Strait of Hormuz.
Likewise, the Strait of Malacca assumes greater significance in terms of global trade and maritime movement… From an operational perspective, controlling or having a strong presence near these routes enhances strategic leverage, surveillance capabilities and maritime security. This is why the Great Nicobar Project is important as it strengthens India’s position in monitoring and responding to developments in these critical sea lanes.“
Air Vice Marshal PK Srivastava (Retd) said, “Whenever the Government of India embarks on a project, it consults a wide range of expert consultants from different fields. Every project is prepared after taking input from experts and conducting proper field surveys of the local area. Such projects are not designed only in Delhi, teams visit the site and evaluate every aspect.
Any potential concerns or issues related to the Great Nicobar Island project will be carefully considered during the planning process. “
Calling the project a major strategic and economic victory for the country, Major General (Retd) Sinha said: “In the maritime domain, the Great Nicobar Project has created a stir in the country. Some people do not want the country to rise in the world.”
Lt Gen Rajiv Chaudhry (retd), former director general of the Border Roads Organisation, is wary of China’s move, saying: “If opposition leads to project delays – especially through international pressure citing environmental concerns – it could 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 operations in the region.…China’s “String of Pearls” strategy – through ports such as Gwadar, Hambantota and Kyaukpyu – will be countered by the powerful strategic and economic centers of Campbell Bay and Galaxia Gulf… Such opposition or negative narrative may inadvertently serve China’s interests. This is an important project and ideally should have been implemented earlier. “