Former Air Chief says Greater Nicobar project important for ‘military footprint’
A former Indian Air Force chief has emphasized the strategic importance of the Greater Nicobar project for India's military presence, aligning with BJP's stance amid criticism from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The project is seen as vital due to its proximity to key maritime routes used by China for energy shipments. The comments come amid ongoing debate over the project's ecological impact versus its defense benefits.
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The Greater Nicobar project is “important for India’s military footprint” in the area, a former chief of the Indian Air Force said on Thursday (April 30, 2026), as part of the BJP’s pushback against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s comments against the project and its harmful ecological footprint.Air Chief Marshal (Retd) R.K.S. Bhadauria, who is now a member of the BJP, pointed to the strategic importance of having a port near the route of China’s energy shipments, with the conflict in West Asia demonstrating the impact of such maritime leverage.
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