India Foundation organized a conference on “Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Development, Security, and Ecology” on 12 June 2026 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The conference brought together policymakers, diplomats, strategic experts, military veterans, academics, journalists, and industry representatives to deliberate on the developmental, ecological, and strategic significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The conference commenced with welcome remarks by Dr. Ram Madhav, President, India Foundation, who highlighted the growing importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India’s economic and strategic vision. He underscored the islands’ potential as a tourism destination and maritime transshipment hub. Admiral D.K. Joshi (Retd.), the honorable Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, delivered the inaugural address. He spoke about the islands’ ecological uniqueness, strategic location, and ongoing infrastructure development initiatives. He emphasized the need to pursue development while ensuring environmental sustainability and informed public engagement.
The first panel discussion was on “Sustainable Development, Community Governance, and Ecological Resilience in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands,” moderated by Capt. Alok Bansal, Executive Vice President, India Foundation. The panel featured Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, Former Governor of Assam and Nagaland and Former Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Mr. Shekhar Gupta, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, The Print; and Dr. Sanat Kaul, Former Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The discussion focused on balancing developmental aspirations with environmental conservation and effective governance mechanisms. The speakers emphasized the importance of community participation and sustainable planning in ensuring the long-term resilience of the islands.
The second panel discussion on “Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a Focal Point for Maritime Security and Regional Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” moderated by Ambassador Jaideep Mazumdar, Former Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, and Member, Governing Council, India Foundations. The panel featured Air Marshal P.K. Roy (Retd.), Former Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command; Ambassador Deepa Wadhwa, Former Ambassador of India to Japan; and Prof. C. Raja Mohan, Contributing Editor, The Indian Express and Visiting Professor, NUS. The panel examined the strategic importance of the islands in the evolving Indo-Pacific landscape, highlighting the need for greater investment in connectivity, logistics, maritime infrastructure, and regional partnerships to strengthen India’s maritime security and economic engagement.
The final panel discussion on “Great Nicobar Project: Balancing Ecology with Development and Strategic Preparedness,” moderated by Ms. Rami N. Desai, Distinguished Fellow, India Foundation. The panel featured Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan, Former Secretary, Ministry of Shipping and Member, NCLT; and Rear Admiral G.K. Garg (Retd.), Former Member of the high-powered committee set up for holistic development of the Great Nicobar Islands. The speakers discussed the project’s strategic and economic significance, environmental safeguards, and the importance of adopting sustainable implementation practices. The discussion underscored the need to balance developmental objectives with ecological preservation and community engagement.
The conference provided a valuable platform for informed discussions on one of India’s most strategically significant geographies. The deliberations highlighted the need for an integrated approach that harmonizes economic development, strategic preparedness, environmental sustainability, and community welfare in shaping the future of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
