Sonia Gandhi has strongly criticized the Rs 72,000-crore Great Nicobar infrastructure project, calling it a “planned misadventure” that threatens the survival of indigenous tribes like the Nicobarese and Shompen, and risks irreversible ecological damage. She highlighted that the project bypasses legal safeguards and environmental concerns, leading to potential displacement of tribal communities still recovering from the 2004 tsunami. Despite the island’s small population of fewer than 8,000, the planned massive development covering over 160 sq km would severely impact the fragile ecosystem and tribal life. The project’s push without proper tribal consultation has been widely condemned. Politically, while the population may be less affected, opposition parties like Congress are using the issue to challenge the government amid fewer available points to criticize. The development aims to enhance India’s strategic foothold near the Malacca Strait but raises significant ecological and humanitarian concerns.