Great Nicobar project key for India’s economic growth and military footprint, its opposition will benefit China: Defence veterans | India News
Several defense veterans have voiced their support for the island project.ACM Bhadauria (retd) dismissed the Congress criticism as misguided and highlighted that the project is crucial for India’s national security, economic growth and military action. He emphasized its strategic location to monitor the Straits 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 overall cargo pass through this narrow waterway (Strait of Malacca).With China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean region, India needs a strong economic and military base on Great Nicobar Island.The Rs 92,000 crore Great Nicobar mega-infrastructure project includes key infrastructure developments such as a transshipment terminal, greenfield international airport, townships and power facilities, with limited forest encroachment, compensatory afforestation and no proposed displacement of tribal communities.Bhadauria’s comments came a day after Rahul Gandhi accused the Great Nicobar project in Campbell Bay of being “one of the biggest scams and grave crimes against the country’s natural and indigenous heritage”.A bench of the National Green Tribunal on February 16 this year cleared the way for the Great Nicobar project, noting that “considering its strategic importance” and “other relevant considerations”, “we find no good basis to interfere”. It has disposed of applications related to Environmental Clearance (EC) for the project, with a directive to the authorities to “ensure full and strict compliance with EC conditions”.Reacting to opposition to the project, ACM Bhadauria (retd) said, “It is very important to understand it from a strategic perspective, especially in the light of recent events, such as ongoing conflicts (in West Asia) and developments in the Strait of Hormuz.Strategically, it is important to understand that this project will enable us to position ourselves only 150 km from the Straits of Malacca. There will be a significant increase in our overall domain awareness, both in the air and at sea.”Giving an example of the Gulf crisis, Major General (retd) GS Rawat recently said, “We have to look at this (project) from an operational and strategic perspective, including its geographical alignment and maritime location. Recent global developments have shown how strategic choke points can be exploited, as seen around the Strait of Hormuz.Likewise, the Straits of Malacca holds greater significance in terms of global trade and maritime traffic… From an operational perspective, control or a strong presence near such routes increases strategic advantage, surveillance capabilities and maritime security. Herein lies the importance of the Great Nicobar Project, as it strengthens India’s position to monitor and respond to developments across this important seaway.“Air Vice Marshal PK Srivastava (retd) said, “Whenever the Government of India undertakes a project, it consults a wide range of expert advisors in various fields. Every project is formulated after taking input from experts and conducting a proper on-ground survey of the area. Such projects are not designed sitting in Delhi alone – the team visits all the sites.Any potential concerns or issues related to the Great Nicobar Island project will be carefully considered already during the planning process.”Terming the project a major strategic and economic victory for the country, Major General Sinha (retd) said, “In the maritime domain, the Great Nicobar project has created a stir in the country. Some people do not want the country to emerge in the world.”Warning on China’s move, Lt. Gen. (retd) Rajeev Chaudhary, former DG of the Border Roads Organization, said, “If opposition delays the project—especially through international pressure citing environmental concerns—it could benefit China. Beijing is wary of such a project in the Great Nicobar Islands as it would increase India’s surveillance of maritime trade and military movements in the region...China’s ‘String of Pearls’ strategy – through ports like Gwadar Port, Hambantota Port and Kyaukpyu Port – will be countered by a strong strategic and economic hub in Campbell Bay and Galatea Bay… Such an opposition or negative narrative may inadvertently align with Chinese interests. It is a vital project that should ideally have been implemented much earlier.”
