Politics – Congress Questions Centre’s China Policy Over Great Nicobar Project
Politics – The Congress party on Wednesday intensified its criticism of the Union government’s approach towards China, while also raising objections to the proposed infrastructure development project in Great Nicobar Island. The opposition accused the Centre of compromising national interests and ignoring environmental risks linked to the ambitious project.
Congress leader and party communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh alleged that the Narendra Modi-led government has adopted what he described as a “4C policy” toward China, referring to “continued and calibrated capitulation.” He claimed the administration was attempting to portray critics of the Great Nicobar project as being sympathetic towards Beijing, despite their concerns being centred on environmental protection and ecological sustainability.
Congress Targets Government’s China Stand
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Ramesh strongly criticised the Centre’s foreign policy posture, calling it contradictory and politically motivated. According to him, the government’s attempts to dismiss environmental objections by linking them to national security narratives amounted to hypocrisy.
The Congress leader referred to the events following the India-China border tensions in Ladakh in 2020. He alleged that remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Galwan Valley clash effectively gave China a clean chit, despite the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers during the confrontation.
Ramesh further claimed that recent negotiations with China had weakened India’s traditional patrolling and grazing access in several areas of Ladakh. He also highlighted India’s growing trade imbalance with China, alleging that the deficit had expanded significantly during the current financial year, adversely affecting domestic industries, especially small and medium enterprises.
Questions Raised Over Security Concerns
The Congress leader also referred to statements made by retired and serving military officials regarding China’s alleged involvement in supporting Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. He accused the Prime Minister of remaining silent on the issue despite what he termed serious strategic concerns.
According to Ramesh, India certainly faces long-term economic and geopolitical challenges from China, but he argued that the Great Nicobar Island Project is primarily a commercial venture rather than a military necessity. He said the transshipment port proposed under the project lacks any substantial defence infrastructure component.
Environmental Impact Remains Major Concern
The Congress has repeatedly expressed concerns about the ecological consequences of large-scale construction activities in the ecologically sensitive Great Nicobar region. Environmental experts and activists have earlier warned that the project could threaten biodiversity, forest cover, and indigenous communities living in the area.
Ramesh claimed alternative proposals aimed at strengthening military infrastructure at strategic locations such as INS Baaz and other Andaman and Nicobar Command facilities had not received adequate attention from the government.
He further alleged that the Centre was aggressively pushing the project despite growing criticism because of possible commercial interests connected to large corporate groups. The former environment minister warned that the long-term ecological and humanitarian impact of the development could be severe if concerns raised by experts continue to be ignored.
Government Maintains Strategic Importance
The Union government has consistently defended the Great Nicobar infrastructure initiative, maintaining that the project is essential for enhancing India’s maritime capabilities and strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Officials have argued that the planned port, airport, and related infrastructure would improve connectivity, trade opportunities, and national security preparedness.
However, opposition parties and environmental groups continue to demand greater transparency and wider consultations before the project moves ahead at full scale. The political debate surrounding the development is expected to intensify further in the coming months as both strategic and environmental questions remain at the centre of discussions.