“The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is emerging as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia and the global Blue Economy, advancing the ideals of adventure, sustainability, and digital transformation,” he said.
Admiral Joshi noted that port development and coastal shipping would play a critical role in driving India’s progress towards becoming a $5 trillion economy. “Andaman and Nicobar Islands is strategically positioned on vital global shipping lanes in the India-Pacific, playing a key role in defence and maritime domain awareness,” he added.
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He outlined plans to develop the islands as a regional hub for shipbuilding and repair, reinforcing their role as a maritime powerhouse.
Highlighting key infrastructure projects, Admiral Joshi described the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar as a transformative initiative. “It has been notified as a major port and is set to become one of the top three container-handling ports in the country, with a capacity of 16.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). It is also expected to significantly boost tourism and infrastructure growth at Great Nicobar Island,” he stated.
The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised the impact of digital connectivity on the islands’ development. “The digital transformation through submarine optical link from Chennai to Andaman and Nicobar Islands has enabled strong connectivity across more than 100 islands. We have achieved good response in fisheries, marine biodiversity, and renewable resources when it comes to sustainable growth,” he said.
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To enhance transport and tourism infrastructure, Joshi highlighted several new initiatives: “We are leading new initiatives such as cruise tourism to Barren Island, government e-ticketing for ship travel, Water Metro integration, and the acquisition of new passenger vessels to further enhance island connectivity and services in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.”
Admiral Joshi also pointed to a strong post-pandemic revival in tourism. “I would like to highlight that there has been a post-COVID tourism resurgence in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with domestic arrivals rising nearly 200% and international tourists up 157% since 2022,” he told industry stakeholders.
He revealed that the islands are poised to set three Guinness World Records in scuba diving, a move that will further strengthen their position as a leading diving destination in the Indian Ocean region.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable growth, Admiral Joshi concluded that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not only a strategic maritime asset but also a model for eco-conscious development and innovation in India’s blue economy.
