Itanagar, Jun 3 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung on Wednesday said the Great Nicobar project reflects India’s determination to transform its strategic geographical advantage into national strength, asserting that the ambitious infrastructure initiative will enhance maritime security, reduce dependence on foreign trans-shipment hubs and create new economic opportunities for the country’s youth.
In a social media post, Natung said the project’s location near some of the world’s most important shipping routes gives it immense strategic and economic significance for India.
“The Great Nicobar Project reflects India’s determination to transform strategic geography into national strength,” the minister said in a post on X.
Highlighting the project’s role in strengthening the country’s maritime interests, Natung said it is situated close to vital global shipping routes and would help India expand its presence in the Indian Ocean region.
“Situated near vital global shipping routes, it will enhance maritime security, reduce dependence on foreign transhipment hubs and unlock new economic opportunities for our youth,” he said.
The minister further said that large-scale infrastructure projects such as Great Nicobar are crucial as India seeks to emerge as a leading power in the Indo-Pacific region.
“As India advances towards becoming a leading Indo-Pacific power, such visionary investments strengthen both our sovereignty and competitiveness,” Natung said.
Stressing the importance of long-term planning in national development, he said the project represents confidence in India’s future growth and strategic aspirations.
The Great Nicobar project is a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure initiative being developed in the Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, officials said.
The project includes an international container transshipment terminal, an airport, a power plant and township infrastructure.
It is aimed at strengthening India’s maritime capabilities, improving connectivity, boosting trade and supporting economic development in the strategically important Indian Ocean region, they added.
