Andaman & Nicobar Islands are strategically crucial for India’s maritime security and power projection in the Indo-Pacific. In the light of the proposed Great Nicobar project, examine the aforementioned statement.

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

3. Andaman & Nicobar Islands are strategically crucial for India’s maritime security and power projection in the Indo-Pacific. In the light of the proposed Great Nicobar project, examine the aforementioned statement. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India

Why the question: The Congress party has described the proposed Rs 72,000-crore infra upgrade at the Great Nicobar Island as a “grave threat” to the island’s indigenous inhabitants and fragile ecosystem. Key Demand of the question: To understand the importance of Andaman & Nicobar Islands both strategically and economically for India. Directive word: Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving a brief on the geographical location of Andaman & Nicobar Islands with respect to mainland India. Body: First, write about the features of Great Nicobar project and its major proposals. Next, Mention the economic importance such as the prospects of blue economy, tourism sector and strategic importance such as critical role it plays in India’s engagement with the East Asian nations, potential to act as a check on Chinese aggression in the seas, access to important trade routes and sea routes etc. Next, mention the need to develop the island to harness its importance through regional infrastructure development as well as robust policy formulation. Write about the various issues in it. Conclusion: Conclude by stating that the island is filled with best opportunities and needs to be harnessed rightly for India’s benefit.

Why the question:

The Congress party has described the proposed Rs 72,000-crore infra upgrade at the Great Nicobar Island as a “grave threat” to the island’s indigenous inhabitants and fragile ecosystem.

Key Demand of the question:

To understand the importance of Andaman & Nicobar Islands both strategically and economically for India.

Directive word:

Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin by giving a brief on the geographical location of Andaman & Nicobar Islands with respect to mainland India.

First, write about the features of Great Nicobar project and its major proposals.

Next, Mention the economic importance such as the prospects of blue economy, tourism sector and strategic importance such as critical role it plays in India’s engagement with the East Asian nations, potential to act as a check on Chinese aggression in the seas, access to important trade routes and sea routes etc.

Next, mention the need to develop the island to harness its importance through regional infrastructure development as well as robust policy formulation. Write about the various issues in it.

Conclusion:

Conclude by stating that the island is filled with best opportunities and needs to be harnessed rightly for India’s benefit.