India positions Great Nicobar as strategic hub to guard vital Indo-Pacific sea lanes
India advances a $9 billion plan to develop Great Nicobar Island into a dual-use hub with a container terminal, airport, power plant and township, expanding its military and maritime presence to protect key routes near the Malacca Strait, a move analysts say could deter China and bolster India’s role as a security provider in the Indo-Pacific, despite environmental concerns.