India aims to strengthen the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a vital maritime and economic gateway for the Indo-Pacific region amid disruptions in global trade. This initiative was highlighted during a preliminary event for the ‘Andaman Dialogue 2027′. The event gathered over 15 countries’ diplomats, maritime experts, government officials, and industry representatives to discuss regional economic and security cooperation.
Strategic Role of Andaman and Nicobar
The upcoming dialogue scheduled between March 12-14, 2027, on Swaraj Island in the Andaman group, will emphasize maritime infrastructure, trade connectivity, and partnerships across the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking through a recorded message, stressed the islands’ potential as an economic bridge linking South and Southeast Asia. Key focus areas include trade, logistics, shipping, digital infrastructure, and finance.
Goyal also addressed growing global supply chain challenges and technological shifts, underscoring the need for reliable partnerships, secure infrastructure, and enhanced regional economic capabilities to navigate these changes effectively.
Blueprint from Former Navy Chief
Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chairman of the National Maritime Foundation and former Navy Chief, highlighted the islands’ strategic position near essential shipping routes connecting the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and the broader Indo-Pacific. He called for stronger cooperation in maritime surveillance, port connectivity, shipbuilding, repair facilities, and seafarer training. He emphasized the importance of secure sea lanes for stable international trade and regional peace.
Tripathi cited that India-ASEAN trade reached $128 billion in 2025-26, making up about 11% of India’s total trade, reflecting the economic significance of deepening maritime ties with Southeast Asian nations. He also detailed plans to enhance international collaboration through the Information Fusion Center-Indian Ocean Region, which currently connects 16-17 partner countries with an aim to increase this number to 50 by 2028.
He proposed boosting maritime information sharing for commercial shipping in the Andaman Sea as well as fostering improved cooperation among regional ports and maritime industries. On infrastructure, Tripathi referenced government investments amounting to ₹69,725 crore for shipbuilding and the ₹12 lakh crore pledged during the India Maritime Week. He stressed the intertwined nature of naval and commercial shipbuilding due to shared industrial capabilities, skilled labor, and supply chains.
Regional Economic Cooperation and Future Focus
A panel discussion at the event tackled regional economic collaboration, identifying ways to transform common policy goals into partnerships involving businesses, investors, and institutions. Participants analyzed risks to maritime trade routes and critical infrastructure like submarine cables, highlighting the necessity of resilient regional networks and rule-based cooperation.
Diplomatic representatives from Fiji, Djibouti, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Australia, Singapore, Mauritius, Thailand, Vietnam, and Maldives attended. The event was co-hosted by the Forum for Integrated National Security (FINS) and the Center for Domestic Economy Policy Research (C-DEP), featuring senior officials and maritime industry leaders. The upcoming Andaman Dialogue is expected to concentrate further on practical cooperation to protect and enhance maritime assets and infrastructure that support regional trade and economic activities.
