India Defends Great Nicobar Islands Project Amid Controversy

Amid the ongoing controversy over the Great Nicobar Islands project, the central government has spoken out in detail for the first time. Defence Ministry sources have said the project is designed with India's strategic maritime interests, economic prospects, and growing geopolitical importance in the Indo-Pacific region in mind. Hitting out at critics who say they are suffering from "geographical illiteracy." Not understanding the true strategic importance of the region. The government is working on plans for an international container transshipment port, civilian-cum-naval airport, modern townships under the project. The government believes the project will give India new strategic strength in the Indian Ocean region. These statements come at a time when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently questioned the Great Nicobar project. He claimed the government was working to benefit a big businessman. He alleged that India's most important ecological land was being used for hotel and kanosi projects. Rahul Gandhi had released a 15-minute video on his visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.