The Great Nicobar Island Project Is The New Lynchpin Of India's Act East Policy

The Great Nicobar Island Project (GNIP) in India aims to develop the island into a strategic hub. Sonia Gandhi criticized the project's environmental consequences, sparking debate over its purpose. India's Act East Policy seeks stronger ties with ASEAN, with the GNIP now a flagship project after setbacks with the Trilateral Highway. Developing Great Nicobar provides India a strategic advantage near the Malacca Strait, vital for monitoring maritime traffic. Despite improved Sino-Indo relations, competition persists, with India openly pursuing its interests. India's foreign policy aims to counterbalance perceived Chinese regional hegemony. The GNIP serves economic and military-strategic goals, solidifying India's role in the Indian Ocean. While critics raise environmental concerns, the project aligns with India's grand strategy. Great powers independently advance their interests, contributing to a multi-polar world. This independent action should not be seen as a step back to unipolarity.