DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 5th May 2026

Subject: International Relations – India-Nepal Border Dispute; History – Treaty of Sugauli; Neighbourhood First Policy.

Why in News?

• On April 30, 2026, India announced the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (June-August 2026) via two routes: Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La (Sikkim) 
• Nepal’s Foreign Ministry formally objected on May 3, 2026, claiming Lipulekh as its territory and stating it was not consulted 
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected the claim, asserting Lipulekh has been a yatra route since 1954 

What is Lipulekh Pass?

Location

• High-altitude pass at the tri-junction of India (Uttarakhand), Nepal, and Tibet (China) 
• Altitude: approximately 5,334 metres (17,500 feet)
• Part of the Kalapani region – administered by India but claimed by Nepal

Strategic Significance

• Key route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (Hindu, Jain, Buddhist pilgrimage)
• Border trade route between India and China (agreed to resume in August 2025) 
• Indian Army maintains presence to monitor Chinese border

Nepal’s Position on Lipulekh

Territorial Claim

• Based on Treaty of Sugauli (1816) – ended Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816) 
• Treaty established Kali River (Mahakali) as Nepal’s western boundary
• Nepal argues the river originates at Limpiyadhura – all land east of it (Kalapani, Lipulekh) belongs to Nepal 

Legal and Political Actions

• May 2020: Nepal issued new official map incorporating Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani 
• Map passed by Nepal’s Parliament with unanimous support (June 2020)
• Nepal has repeatedly raised the issue diplomatically with India and China

2026 Objection

• Nepal conveyed concerns to both India and China via diplomatic channels 
• Urged India to refrain from: road construction, border trade, pilgrimage in the area 
• Reaffirmed commitment to resolving border issues through dialogue based on historical agreements and maps 

India’s Position and Response

Core Argument

• Lipulekh has been used for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954 – not a new development 
• Border trade through Lipulekh commenced in 1954 and continued for decades 

Rejection of Nepal’s Claim

• Nepal’s territorial claims are “neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence” 
• Described Nepal’s map as “unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims” – “untenable” 

Open to Dialogue

• India remains open to constructive interaction with Nepal on outstanding boundary issues 
• Willing to resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy 

Background: The Dispute’s Origins

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Polity/International Relations/History Syllabus)

• Treaty of Sugauli (1816): Key historical document; Nepal’s territorial basis
• Article 4 of Indian Constitution: Power to cede territory to foreign country
• Neighbourhood First Policy: India’s strategic approach to neighbours
• UN Charter Article 33: Peaceful settlement of disputes (negotiation, mediation, judicial settlement)

Dynamic (Current Affairs – May 2026)

• Yatra resumption announced (April 30, 2026): 1,000 pilgrims, two routes
• Nepal’s formal objection (May 3, 2026): Diplomatic notes to both India and China
• India’s rejection (May 3-4, 2026): Consistent position since 1954
• 2020 crisis reference: Oli government’s map, road construction
• Border dispute unresolved: Outstanding boundary issues remain under discussion

Source/Reference:

https://www.mea.gov.in/response-to-queries.htm?dtl/41096/Official_Spokespersons_response_to_media_queries_regarding_comments_made_by_Foreign_Ministry_of_Nepal_on_border_issue_in_the_context_of_the_Kailash_Ma

Subject: International Relations – Space Security; Science & Tech – Dual-Use Satellites; IHL – Principle of Distinction.

Why in News?

• Modern satellites by default serve dual-use purposes – providing both essential civilian services and critical military functions
• This reality is challenging the “principle of distinction” under international humanitarian law (IHL) and the Outer Space Treaty of 1967
• Real-world examples include the Viasat KA-SAT cyber attack (2022) and GPS spoofing incidents affecting civilian aviation and maritime vessels

What are Dual-Use Satellites?

Definition

• Satellites that have both civilian and military applications
• Civilian uses: telecommunications, navigation, weather forecasting, earth observation, disaster management
• Military uses: surveillance, secure communications, missile guidance, early warning systems, targeting

Why Dual-Use is Inevitable

• Same satellite providing civilian broadband can transmit military commands
• Same GPS constellation guiding commercial aircraft also guides precision munitions
• Same earth observation satellite mapping crop health can monitor troop movements

The Legal Framework: Principle of Distinction

Outer Space Treaty (1967)

• Article III: Activities in space must be conducted in accordance with international law, including UN Charter
• Article IV: Prohibits placing nuclear weapons or WMDs in orbit or on celestial bodies; prohibits military bases on moon/other bodies (does not ban conventional weapons in space)

International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

• Principle of Distinction: Warring parties must distinguish between civilian objects (not legitimate military targets) and military objectives
• Key challenge: Dual-use satellites qualify as both civilian and military, creating legal ambiguity

Real-World Examples

Viasat KA-SAT Cyber Attack (Initial hours of Russia-Ukraine War, 2022)

• Cyber-attack crippled satellite network, severing communications across Europe
• Affected both Ukrainian military communications and civilian internet services
• Demonstrated how a civilian satellite can be weaponised

GPS Spoofing Incidents

• False GPS signals misled civilian aircraft and maritime vessels
• Ships have been lured into hazardous shoals
• Aircraft flight computers corrupted – false terrain alerts triggered, effectively weaponising a platform’s own safety logic

Carrier Strike Group Positioning

• Carrier strike groups’ positioning and operations rely on “dual-use” assets
• Their “freedom to operate” depends directly on these satellites

Operational Realities of Modern Space Warfare

• Not about “shattered satellites and orbital debris”
• Quieter but more dangerous: signal loss, deliberate misdirection, sudden system failures
• Adversaries may jam or spoof signals rather than physically destroy satellites
• Attribution of attacks is difficult (jamming can be from ground or space)

Implications for India

Strategic Importance

• India’s military relies on dual-use satellites: IRNSS (navigation), GSAT series (communications), Cartosat series (earth observation)
• Anti-satellite (ASAT) capability demonstrated (Mission Shakti, 2019) – but dual-use targeting ambiguity remains

Vulnerabilities

• Civilian infrastructure (aviation, shipping, telecom, banking) depends on same space assets
• GPS, communications, weather satellites – all potentially targetable

Diplomatic and Legal Challenges

• India needs to advocate for updated international legal frameworks addressing dual-use realities
• Participates in UN discussions on peaceful uses of outer space (UNCOPUOS)

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (International Relations / Science & Technology / Polity Syllabus)

• Outer Space Treaty (1967): 114 parties; prohibits WMDs in space, peaceful use obligation
• Registration Convention (1976): Launched objects registered with UN
• Liability Convention (1972): State liability for damage caused by space objects
• UNCOPUOS: Established 1959; 102 members; promotes peaceful uses of outer space

Dynamic (Current Affairs – May 2026)

• Dual-use reality – modern satellites blur civilian-military distinction
• 2022 Viasat cyber-attack – precedent for satellite weaponisation
• GPS spoofing – growing threat to civilian aviation and maritime navigation
• Principle of Distinction under stress – IHL not designed for dual-use space assets
• International legal debate – calls for updating space law to address dual-use challenges

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/how-dual-use-satellites-are-blurring-the-lines-of-modern-space-war/article70934695.ece#google_vignette

Subject: Defence – Indigenisation; Science & Tech – Missile Technology; Atmanirbhar Bharat; Naval Warfare.

Why in News?

• DRDO and Indian Navy successfully conducted a salvo test of the indigenously developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile – Short Range (NASM-SR) from a helicopter off the Odisha coast
• Two missiles were fired in quick succession from the same platform, marking the first successful salvo launch from a helicopter

What is NASM-SR?

Definition

• Indigenously developed, helicopter-launched, short-range anti-ship missile
• Designed for deployment from ship-borne helicopters
• Represents an upgrade over existing systems (replacing British-origin Sea Eagle missiles from the 1980s)

Key Specifications

• Weight: Approximately 380 kg (significantly lighter than Sea Eagle’s ~580 kg)
• Range: 55 km (shorter, but compensated by improved technology)
• Propulsion: Two-stage system (solid booster rocket + long-burn sustainer engine)
• Guidance: Man-in-loop (real-time operator control via two-way data link)
• Warhead: Radio proximity fuse (detonates in close proximity to target)

Key Advanced Features

‘Man-in-Loop’ Guidance

• Human operator can modify missile trajectory during flight (real-time control via two-way data link)
• Unlike older “fire-and-forget” missiles (Sea Eagle), NASM-SR can be redirected after launch
• Useful in crowded maritime environments – reduces risk of accidental targeting

‘Waterline Hit’ Capability

• Missile targets the area just above or at the waterline of a ship (structurally vulnerable point)
• Strike here can cause severe damage, rapid flooding, and potentially sink the vessel

Salvo Launch Capability

• Two missiles fired in quick succession from same helicopter
• Demonstrates ability to overwhelm enemy ship defence systems

Strategic Significance

Enhanced Naval Strike Capability

• Helicopter-launched missiles allow striking enemy ships from safe distance without exposing own vessels
• Salvo test demonstrates ability to launch multiple missiles quickly – can overwhelm enemy ship defence systems

Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

• Replacing ageing imported systems with indigenous technology
• Reduces dependence on foreign suppliers

Operational Flexibility

• Ship-based helicopters can now carry lighter, more advanced missiles
• Man-in-loop feature crucial in crowded maritime environments (Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal)

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Science & Technology/Defence Syllabus)

• DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation (formed 1958)
• Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP): Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (1983-2007)
• Naval Anti-Ship Missiles: Key category of weapon systems for maritime warfare
• Helicopter-launched missiles: Provide operational flexibility and stand-off strike capability

Dynamic (Current Affairs – May 2026)

• First successful salvo launch from helicopter – significant milestone
• NASM-SR lighter weight (380 kg) – allows carrying more missiles per helicopter
• Man-in-loop feature – enables precise targeting in crowded maritime zones
• Waterline hit capability – enhanced lethality
• Indigenous development – reduces import dependence (replacing Sea Eagle)
• Private sector participation – MSMEs, start-ups in defence manufacturing
• Test location: Odisha coast (Integrated Test Range, Chandipur)

Source/Reference:

https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/en/documents/drdo-in-news

Subject: GS Paper I: Geography (Himalayan region, strategic passes), GS Paper III: Infrastructure & Defence (Border Roads Organisation)

Why in News?
Project Deepak of the Border Roads Organisation celebrated its 66th Raising Day on May 4, 2026, highlighting its long-standing role in developing strategic infrastructure in the Western Himalayas.

Key Facts & Features

• Established: 1961 (one of BRO’s oldest projects) 
• Area of Responsibility: Himachal Pradesh—Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti 
• Road Network: Maintains ~1,100 km of roads 
• Key Projects: 
  • Historic Hindustan–Tibet Road 
  • Strategic Manali–Leh axis (critical for defence logistics) 
• Strategic Importance: Enhances connectivity to remote border areas, ensuring troop mobility and supply lines 

Disaster Management Role

• May 2023: Rescued ~300 motorists at Baralachala Pass 
• July 2023: Evacuated ~250 civilians from Chandrataal 
• Demonstrates dual role—infrastructure + humanitarian assistance 

UPSC-Oriented Analysis

• Static-Dynamic Linkage: Himalayas + border infrastructure + internal security 
• Possible Questions: 
  • Matching BRO projects with regions 
  • Strategic passes/roads in Himachal & Ladakh 
  • Role of BRO in disaster management 

Source: 

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2257901&reg=3&lang=1

Subject: Disaster Management – Early Warning Systems; Science & Tech – Telecom Technology; Indigenous Innovation – C-DOT.

Why in News?

• A nationwide test was successfully conducted, with millions receiving an “Extremely Severe Alert” message with a distinctive siren tone around 11:42 AM 
• Developed indigenously by Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) under Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) 

What is Cell Broadcast System (CBS)?

Definition

• A telecom-enabled public warning system that broadcasts simultaneous, geo-targeted alerts to mobile devices within a defined area 
• Uses one-to-many channel communication (unlike SMS which is one-to-one) – delivers alerts to all phones in a cell tower area simultaneously 

Key Features

• Near real-time delivery – reaches users within seconds without queuing delays 
• Geo-targeting precision – alerts can be sent at individual cell tower level or scaled to larger areas 
• Network congestion immune – remains unaffected by traffic, ensuring uninterrupted communication during crises 
• Universal reach – covers all mobile users in targeted area, including roaming users; alerts cannot be disabled 
• Multilingual support – alerts delivered in English, Hindi, and regional languages 
• Works across 2G to 5G networks – ensures wide reach in both urban and rural areas 

User Experience

• Alerts appear as pop-up messages with distinct loud alert tones (cannot be missed)
• Message text read aloud on supported mobile handsets 

Integration with SACHET Platform

SACHET (Integrated Alert System)

• Existing SMS-based emergency alert system developed by C-DOT
• Already operational across all 36 States and UTs 
• Based on Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) – international standard for emergency alerts 
• Has disseminated over 134 billion SMS alerts in more than 19 languages for natural disasters, weather warnings, and cyclonic events 

How CBS Complements SACHET

• SMS (one-to-one) may slow during network congestion; some users may miss alerts
• CBS (one-to-many) delivers simultaneously to all devices in area – bypasses congestion, unmissable 
• CBS designed for time-critical emergencies (tsunamis, earthquakes, lightning strikes, gas leaks, chemical hazards) where seconds matter 

Technology Behind CBS

Developed by: Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) – telecom R&D centre under DoT 

Technical Specifications

• Messages delivered without requiring internet connection or mobile apps 
• Users cannot disable these priority alerts 
• Compatible with international standards – aligns with UN’s “Early Warnings for All” initiative 
• Already demonstrated internationally in Mauritius, Cambodia, El Salvador, and Sri Lanka 

Operational Use Cases

Already Successfully Deployed

• Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Uttarakhand during actual disasters 
• Char Dham Yatra – for pilgrim safety management 

Planned Applications

• Flash floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, lightning strikes 
• Gas leaks and chemical hazards (man-made emergencies) 
• Cyclones, extreme weather events 

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Disaster Management / Science & Technology Syllabus)

• Disaster Management Act, 2005 – NDMA established as apex body
• National Policy on Disaster Management (2009) – framework for disaster risk reduction
• Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) – Target G (substantially increase availability of multi-hazard early warning systems)
• Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) – ITU-T X.1303 standard for emergency alerts
• C-DOT – Established 1984; autonomous telecom R&D centre under DoT

Dynamic (Current Affairs – May 2026)

• Launch date: May 2, 2026
• Indigenous development – C-DOT, NDMA, MHA collaboration
• Nationwide test – successful simultaneous alert delivery across all networks
• Complementing SACHET – CBS for time-critical emergencies, SMS for general alerts
• 134 billion SMS alerts already disseminated – scale of existing SACHET system
• International reach – demonstrated in Mauritius, Cambodia, El Salvador, Sri Lanka

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2257499&reg=3&lang=2#:~:text=Union%20Minister%20of%20Communications%20Shri%20Jyotiraditya%20Scindia%20today%20launched%20the,Disaster%20Management%20Authority%20(NDMA)%20and

GS Paper II – International Relations (Bilateral Relations) | GS Paper I – Geography
Border Disputes; India-Nepal Relations; Kalapani-Lipulekh Issue; Treaty of Sugauli (1816)

Introduction

The India–Nepal border dispute has resurfaced after India resumed the Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage via Lipulekh Pass. Nepal protested, claiming Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura based on the Treaty of Sugauli (1816), while India rejected this, citing long-standing usage since 1954. The issue underscores persistent boundary tensions despite close bilateral ties.

Main Body

The Lipulekh Pass: Strategic and Religious Significance

Geographical Location:

• Lipulekh Pass is a Himalayan mountain pass.
• It sits at the tri-junction where Nepal, India (Uttarakhand state), and China (Tibet Autonomous Region) meet.
• It is one of the key routes connecting South Asia to the Tibetan Plateau.

Strategic Importance:

• Provides access to the Kailash Manasarovar region in Tibet.
• Part of India’s efforts to develop border infrastructure (roads, connectivity) in Uttarakhand.
• China has a competing claim to the same territory.

Religious Significance:

• Used by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers for the Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet.
• India announced resumption of the pilgrimage via Lipulekh in May 2026, with 500 pilgrims to be sent under an agreement with China.
• The pilgrimage had been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Core of the Dispute: Treaty of Sugauli (1816)

Nepal’s Position:

• The 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, signed between Nepal and the British East India Company, defines Nepal’s western border.
• According to Nepal, the treaty stipulates that all territories east of the Kali River (Mahakali River) belong to Nepal.
• Nepal claims that the Limpiadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani regions lie east of the Kali River and are therefore part of Nepal.
• Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated this position in its May 2026 protest: “the government remains clear and firm.”

India’s Position:

• India asserts that Lipulekh has been used for the Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage since 1954 (long before the dispute was formalised).
• India maintains that Nepal’s claims are “neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence.”
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs called Nepal’s territorial claims “untenable” and “unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims.”

The Interpretational Dispute:

• The disagreement centres on the precise origin of the Kali River.
• Nepal claims the river originates at Limpiadhura; India claims it originates further south, which would place Lipulekh and Kalapani on the Indian side.
• Without a mutually agreed map, the dispute persists.

The Kalapani-Lipulekh Issue: A Broader Context

Kalapani Region:

• Kalapani is a valley that includes the Lipulekh Pass.
• India has maintained a military presence in the Kalapani region for strategic reasons.
• Nepal has repeatedly raised the issue at bilateral meetings and international forums.

Link to India-China Relations:

• Lipulekh is also a point of contention between India and China (the two countries have their own border dispute in the region).
• India’s agreement with China to resume the pilgrimage via Lipulekh (May 2026) was announced separately, without prior consultation with Nepal.
• This triggered the latest protest from Kathmandu.

Previous Flare-Ups:

• 2019: India released a new political map showing Kalapani and Lipulekh within Indian territory. Nepal protested and issued its own revised map in 2020.
• 2020: Nepal’s Parliament unanimously approved a new map showing Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiadhura as Nepalese territory. India called it a “unilateral act” and rejected it.

India’s Actions: Pilgrimage Resumption and Bypassing Nepal

The 2026 Announcement (May 4, 2026):

• Nepal lodged a protest on May 4 after India announced resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage via Lipulekh.
• Under the plan, 500 Hindu pilgrims will travel through Uttarakhand to cross into China at the Lipulekh Pass.
• A separate route through Sikkim will also be used.

Why This Escalated Tensions:

• Nepal was not consulted before the announcement.
• The pilgrimage route via Lipulekh passes through territory claimed by Nepal.
• For Nepal, India’s action is a de facto assertion of sovereignty over disputed territory.

India’s Defense:

• “This is not a new development” – India has used this route since 1954.
• India maintains that the pilgrimage has no bearing on the territorial dispute.

Diplomatic and Legal Dimensions

Bilateral Mechanisms:

• India-Nepal Boundary Working Group exists but has not resolved the Kalapani-Lipulekh issue.
• The issue has been raised at the level of foreign secretaries and external affairs ministers.

Nepal’s Diplomatic Strategy:

• Lodging formal protests (as in May 2026).
• Issuing its own map (2020) and getting parliamentary approval.
• Raising the issue in international forums (though neither side has sought international arbitration or adjudication).

India’s Stance:

• Bilateral negotiations only; no third-party mediation.
• Emphasis on historical usage of the pilgrimage route.
• Rejection of Nepal’s interpretation of the Treaty of Sugauli.

Treaty of Sugauli (1816) – Historical Background:

• Signed between Nepal and the British East India Company after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816).
• Defined Nepal’s borders, including the Kali River as the western boundary.
• After India’s independence (1947), India inherited British treaty obligations and rights.
• Both countries acknowledge the treaty as the foundational document for their border, but disagree on its interpretation.

Implications for India-Nepal Relations

Strains on Bilateral Ties:

• India and Nepal share an open border, deep cultural ties, and economic interdependence (Nepal’s trade and transit depend on India).
• The border dispute, however, has been a persistent irritant, fuelling anti-India sentiment in Nepal.
• Other issues: power generation (hydropower), trade imbalances, and political interference perceptions.

China Factor:

• Nepal has also signed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with China.
• China has expressed support for Nepal’s position on the border dispute (though not officially as a party).
• India views this as China’s attempt to expand influence in the Himalayan region.

Way Forward:

• Confidence-Building Measures: Separate the pilgrimage from the territorial dispute. India could have consulted Nepal before announcing the resumption.
• Expert-Level Dialogue: Reconvene the Boundary Working Group with clear timelines.
• Treaty Reinterpretation: Joint commission of historians and cartographers to revisit the Treaty of Sugauli and the Kali River’s origin.
• Avoid Unilateral Actions: India should avoid issuing maps or making announcements that pre-judge the outcome of bilateral talks.

Conclusion

The Lipulekh dispute stems from differing interpretations of the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli—Nepal claims it via the Kali River boundary, while India cites long-standing use since 1954. The recent flare-up after India resumed the pilgrimage highlights unresolved borders, trust deficits, and China’s shadow. Both sides should avoid unilateral steps and revive dialogue mechanisms.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. The Lipulekh dispute reflects legal and historical ambiguities in India–Nepal ties. Critically examine and suggest measures to manage such tensions. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/4/nepal-lodges-protest-against-india-over-long-running-border-dispute

GS Paper III – Security (Defence) | GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology | GS Paper II – Governance
Strategic Infrastructure; China Containment; Andaman & Nicobar Islands; Tribal Rights; Environmental Clearance

Introduction

The ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar project—featuring a transshipment port, airport, township, and power units—has triggered sharp debate. Supporters see it as vital for economic growth and strategic leverage near the Malacca Strait, while critics call it environmentally and socially damaging. Despite NGT clearance in Feb 2026, concerns persist.

Main Body

Project Components and Scale

The Four Key Components:

• International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Galathea Bay – to capture transshipment cargo currently handled by Colombo, Singapore, and Port Klang.
• Greenfield International Airport – for civilian and military use, enhancing connectivity and rapid deployment.
• Township – to support the port and airport operations, including residential and commercial infrastructure.
• Power Plant – gas or solar-based to meet the energy demands of the new infrastructure.

Investment and Scale:

• Total project cost: Rs 92,000 crore.
• Location: Great Nicobar Island, the southernmost island of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
• The project is being implemented by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).

Strategic Importance: Monitoring the Malacca Strait

The Malacca Strait Chokepoint:

• The Strait of Malacca is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
• Approximately 80% of China’s oil imports and a significant portion of its cargo pass through this narrow waterway.
• China’s increasing naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) makes monitoring this chokepoint critical.

Proximity to the Strait:

• Great Nicobar Island is located just 150 km from the Strait of Malacca.
• The project will provide India with the capability to position itself near this strategic waterway.

Surveillance and Domain Awareness:

• Former IAF chief Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria (retd.) stated: “Our overall domain awareness, both in the air and maritime spheres, will receive a significant boost.”
• The project will enhance India’s ability to monitor maritime trade and military movements in the region.

Countering China’s String of Pearls:

• China’s ‘String of Pearls’ strategy involves developing ports across the Indian Ocean: Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Kyaukpyu (Myanmar), and others.
• A strong strategic and economic hub at Campbell Bay and Galathea Bay would counter this encirclement.
• Defence veterans warn that opposition to the project benefits China, which is “wary of such a project at Great Nicobar Island.”

Environmental and Tribal Concerns

Environmental Impact:

• The project requires diversion of forest land on an ecologically sensitive island.
• Great Nicobar is home to unique biodiversity, including the Nicobar megapode, saltwater crocodile, and giant robber crab.
• Opposition argues that a transshipment terminal and airport will cause irreversible damage to fragile island ecosystems.

Tribal Communities:

• The island is home to the Shompen tribe (particularly vulnerable) and the Great Nicobarese.
• The government claims “no proposed displacement of indigenous communities” as part of the project.
• Critics, including Rahul Gandhi, allege that the project threatens the natural and tribal heritage of the country.

National Green Tribunal (NGT) Clearance (February 16, 2026):

• The NGT cleared the project, noting “considering the strategic importance of it and other relevant considerations, we do not find any good ground to interfere.”
• The Tribunal directed authorities “to ensure full and strict compliance of EC (environment clearance) conditions.”
• Applications challenging the environment clearance were disposed of.

Government’s Position on Environment:

• The project involves “limited forest diversion” and “compensatory afforestation.”
• Air Vice Marshal P.K. Srivastava (retd.) stated: “Whenever the govt of India undertakes a project, it consults a wide range of expert advisors… Such projects are not designed sitting in Delhi alone—teams visit the site and assess all aspects.”

Parallels with the Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Learning from West Asia:

• The ongoing conflict in West Asia and the disruption at the Strait of Hormuz have demonstrated how tactical choke points can be exploited.
• Major General G.S. Rawat (retd.) noted: “Recent global developments have shown how tactical choke points can be exploited, as seen around the Strait of Hormuz.”

The Malacca Dilemma:

• China’s ability to block the Strait of Malacca would cripple its own energy imports.
• However, India’s inability to monitor or respond to developments in the strait is a strategic vulnerability.
• The Great Nicobar project addresses this vulnerability by providing a surveillance and response platform.

Economic Rationale: Transshipment Hub

Capturing Transshipment Cargo:

• Currently, a significant portion of India’s transshipment cargo is handled at Colombo (Sri Lanka), Singapore, and Port Klang (Malaysia).
• The ICTT at Galathea Bay aims to capture this traffic, saving foreign exchange and generating revenue.

Integration with Act East Policy:

• The project is part of India’s broader Act East Policy and its efforts to develop the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a strategic and economic hub.
• It complements the development of other island infrastructure, including the naval base at Campbell Bay.

Way Forward: Balancing Security and Ecology

For the Government:

• Ensure full compliance with NGT conditions and environment clearance terms.
• Implement compensatory afforestation rigorously and monitor outcomes.
• Engage with tribal communities through the Tribal Council and ensure no forced displacement.
• Maintain transparency on project costs and environmental mitigation measures.

For the Opposition:

• Distinguish between legitimate environmental concerns and blanket opposition that may benefit strategic rivals.
• Propose alternatives or mitigation measures rather than calling for project cancellation.

For Strategic Communication:

• India must articulate the strategic imperative of the project more clearly to domestic and international audiences.
• The comparison with the Strait of Hormuz crisis (ongoing West Asia war) is a powerful tool to explain the importance of monitoring choke points.

Long-Term Vision:

• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been underdeveloped for decades due to environmental and tribal sensitivities.
• A balance must be struck: strategic infrastructure with the highest environmental and social safeguards.

Conclusion

The ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar project is strategically vital near the Malacca Strait, seen as a counter to China’s presence in the Indian Ocean. While cleared by the NGT, it faces criticism over environmental and tribal impacts. India must balance security needs with ecological and indigenous safeguards.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. The Great Nicobar project is strategically essential to counter China’s ‘String of Pearls’ and monitor the Malacca Strait, but it raises legitimate environmental and tribal concerns. Critically examine and suggest a balanced approach. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://sundayguardianlive.com/editors-choice/indias-great-nicobar-project-is-the-dragons-nightmare-188278/