Amit Shah launches Rs 373cr development push in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple infrastructure projects totaling ₹373 crore in Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, on January 3, 2026. The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Lieutenant Governor Admiral D. K. Joshi (Retired), and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan were also present during the event.

In his address, Amit Shah stated that the Cellular Jail stands as a symbol of sacrifice made by Indian freedom fighters, with many having lost their lives within its walls. He underscored that the eternal flame and memorial of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar now serve as enduring reminders of that era. Shah recalled that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was the first to hoist the Tricolour on the island during India’s struggle for independence, and in his honor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi named two islands ‘Shaheed’ and ‘Swaraj’.

Shah added that the government has undertaken the task of naming every island in the archipelago after freedom fighters, positioning the region as a national pilgrimage site.

What development projects were inaugurated and how do they tie into strategic and economic goals?

The Union Home Minister confirmed that nine projects were inaugurated and foundation stones laid for two additional projects. These include an Integrated Command and Control Centre costing ₹229 crore, Phase-I of the district hospital with a cost of ₹33 crore, a Forensic Science Laboratory, and six other schemes totaling ₹50 crore.

Amit Shah emphasized that these infrastructure investments represent a deliberate shift from previous attitudes toward the islands. He said that while earlier administrations treated Andaman and Nicobar as a financial burden, the Modi government aims to turn it into a net contributor to India’s treasury and national growth.

According to the Union Minister, these steps mark the beginning of a new development chapter for the islands, with a strong emphasis on security, sustainability, and economic productivity. The projects also reflect a broader national strategy to integrate outer territories into India’s development agenda while preserving ecological and historical legacies.

How is the Modi government positioning the islands within national and global frameworks?

Shah said the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are evolving into a hub of sovereignty, maritime strength, and economic activity. He attributed this transformation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to develop the territory as an international scuba diving and water sports destination while respecting environmental and cultural values.

He referred to the Great Nicobar project as a centerpiece of this strategy. Once complete, the project aims to position the island as a global cargo hub and tourism destination, while also reinforcing India’s strategic maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific. According to Shah, the islands will rank among the most visited destinations in the world over the next decade.

To support this vision, Shah said the islands are being upgraded in accordance with ISO standards for scuba diving, and that environmental measures are being taken seriously. He cited the planting of 2.4 million trees under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and noted that the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council had achieved 98 percent household waste collection, which he described as a milestone of the Swachh Bharat Mission.

What legal and institutional reforms were showcased during the event?

Amit Shah also inaugurated an exhibition on the newly enacted criminal laws, stating that the public should become familiar with the structural changes these laws will bring to India’s justice system. He urged lawyers, students, and especially women to view the exhibition to better understand how technology and legal reforms are intersecting.

The initiative to educate citizens on legal reforms was presented as a component of the broader goal to modernize institutional frameworks and align them with democratic accountability and transparency. Shah suggested this effort was in line with Prime Minister Modi’s campaign to remove colonial-era symbols and reform post-independence governance legacies.

What is the government’s narrative around national identity and economic self-reliance?

Shah reiterated that the islands are symbolic of both suffering and strength, referencing the cellular confinement of freedom fighters during the British colonial period. He described the islands as sacred ground where suffering was transformed into a commitment to independence, and solitude into a collective resolve.

He emphasized that the vision of a ‘Developed India’ must include every territory, particularly those with historical significance. The Home Minister said that the Modi government’s approach involves balancing tourism, environmental protection, fisheries, agriculture, MSMEs, and clean energy within a unified strategy.

According to Shah, India’s global ranking in terms of economic size has improved under Modi’s leadership—from the eleventh-largest economy to the fourth. He projected that the country will move into third position in the next two years. Shah linked this economic ascent to a broader cultural renaissance that draws strength from Indian traditions while embracing modern reforms.

In closing, he said that the goal is to make India the number one country in the world by the centenary of independence. He called on all citizens to support the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign by using indigenous products and contributing to national self-reliance across all sectors.

What are the key takeaways from the Andaman and Nicobar development announcements?

• The Union Home Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for development projects worth ₹373 crore in Sri Vijaya Puram, including an Integrated Command and Control Centre and a new district hospital phase.

• The Government of India is positioning the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a strategic maritime, tourism, and economic hub, anchored by projects such as the Great Nicobar initiative.

• A new exhibition was launched to educate the public on three new criminal laws, part of a national campaign to modernize India’s justice system and eliminate colonial-era frameworks.

• The Modi government is emphasizing environmental stewardship alongside infrastructure development, citing ISO scuba diving standards and 2.4 million trees planted under a national campaign.

• Amit Shah framed the transformation of the islands as part of a larger goal to make India the world’s top economy by 2047, calling on citizens to support Aatmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous industries.