India has approved a massive infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The plan includes building a transshipment port, airport, power plant, and a township. These facilities will cover about 166 square kilometers, almost 18% of the island’s total land area. The island lies close to the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. Last September, India’s environment minister called this project one of “strategic, defence and national importance.” The goal is to turn Great Nicobar into a major hub for maritime and air connectivity in the Indian Ocean region. This move is also seen as part of India’s strategy to counter China’s growing influence in the area. However, the project has raised concerns among activists. They warn that it could damage the island’s ecology, lead to the cutting down of hundreds of thousands of trees, and harm local tribal communities’ interests. Despite these worries, the Indian government is pushing ahead with this ambitious plan to boost regional connectivity and security.