Retired Indian armed forces officials have come to the defense of the Great Nicobar Project, countering allegations from Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, regarding land grabbing and ecological damage. Major General P Vivekanandan (Retd) stated that the project is essential for safeguarding India's maritime interests, particularly in light of China's expanding influence in the region through initiatives like the 'String of Pearls'. He emphasized the need for India to develop its strategic assets, especially in the face of economic losses due to reliance on foreign ports. Air Vice Marshal PK Srivastava (Retd) highlighted the project's potential to enhance surveillance in the Strait of Malacca, a critical maritime route. While acknowledging environmental concerns, such as the felling of 7.11 lakh trees for the project, the officials insisted that afforestation efforts are planned to compensate for the ecological impact. The project is set to unfold over 22 years in three phases, aligning with policies designed to protect the rights of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Gandhi, however, has raised alarms about the potential displacement of tribal communities and the undermining of their rights, vowing to advocate for the protection of local heritage and resources.