India Builds Strategic Port and Airport Near Southeast Asian Shipping Lanes

India is advancing a comprehensive infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island, its southernmost territory in the Andaman Sea. The initiative includes an international container transhipment port at Galathea Bay, an airport, township, and power plant—occupying 131 square kilometers of forest. Located 90 kilometers from major shipping corridors, the project aims to enhance India's maritime presence in Southeast Asia while accelerating regional economic development. NITI Aayog has coordinated planning since September 2020, with Cabinet-level meetings signaling active advancement.