Retired Lieutenant General C.A. Krishnan, speaking exclusively to IANS from Bengaluru, described the Great Nicobar Project as a multifaceted boon for India’s security and economy. Overlooking the world’s busiest shipping corridor, this development could redefine regional power dynamics.
At the heart of its significance lies the Malacca Strait’s role as a chokepoint for global commerce, connecting South China Sea to the Indian Ocean. Great Nicobar’s location—mere 180 km from Sumatra—positions India to track vessels hugging its shores. Krishnan highlighted how the Bay of Bengal between India’s east coast and Andaman-Nicobar amplifies this vantage point for surveillance.
Envisioned with a naval hub and new airfield, the project promises military edge alongside commercial gains. ‘It’ll draw international shipping away from foreign ports,’ he noted, potentially capturing transshipment currently funneled through Colombo and Singapore. This aligns perfectly with India’s 2047 ambitions, building economic muscle without aggression.
Hypothetical disruptions in Malacca, though unlikely soon, underscore the stakes. Alternate routes like Sunda or Lombok lack capacity, causing delays. Krishnan advocated shifting focus from past criticisms of India’s responses to fortifying assets like Great Nicobar, closer to Phuket (500 km) than Chennai (1,600 km).
Addressing opposition, he advised prioritizing environmental enforcement over protests. ‘Scrutinize funding sources behind activism,’ he warned, applicable to all national projects. Protecting sparse local tribes falls under project safeguards, ensuring balanced growth.
Ultimately, Great Nicobar elevates India’s monitoring of Indo-Pacific activities, from submarines to trade flows. As a rising superpower, India must seize this opportunity to assert rightful influence.
