Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday (June 20, 2026) claimed that the Great Nicobar project will boost India's economic growth, and it will give supply-chain independence to the country.

Also read | Strategic afterthought: On the Great Nicobar project

Addressing the 'Viksit Bharat Sanklap Sammelan' in Sri Vijaya Puram, he said, "The holistic development of the Great Nicobar Island aims to balance economic growth with environmental safeguards. All compliance is being followed while going ahead with the project, considering the natural resources."

Mr. Rijiju said, "There are some people who are opposing the project. They don't like India's growth. I would like to inform you that this Great Nicobar Project will be a 'kendrabindoo' [focal point] when it comes to our economic growth. It will be a major maritime and logistics hub in the Indo-Pacific region."

The Union Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister, who is on a three-day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands from Friday (June 19, 2026), said the project would significantly contribute to India's broader vision of "Viksit Bharat" by enhancing the islands' economic and strategic importance.

Taking a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who opposed the project during his visit to Andaman and Nicobar in April, Mr. Rijiju said, "This is not the time for drama...He [Rahul] came here and dived in the sea and campaigned against the project. I also dived here and saw immense potential here. We must unite together and work towards the development of our country rather than spreading false narratives."

Highlighting the achievements of the Narendra Modi-led government over the past 12 years, he said, while global crude oil prices surged dramatically due to the West Asia conflict, India limited the increase to nearly 5% for petrol and diesel, while many other countries witnessed hikes ranging from 20% to nearly 100%. We successfully insulated our citizens, and it became possible only due to the visionary leadership of Modi ji.

"The entire world was battling rising fuel costs after the West Asia conflict, but India stood apart," he said.

Expressing concern over fake news, he said, "There are some people backed by Congress and the Left who are actively involved in spreading fake news to create hurdles before India's growth and to set negative narratives about our country. Recently, there were social media posts showing me and Union Law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal ji, along with 75 judges of Supreme Court and High Courts playing badminton in London. That was fake news and intentionally posted to malign our image."

"These people get funding from abroad to spread propaganda against India. We are taking action against these people," he said.

Earlier, the Ministry of Law and Justice released a statement denying the claims. According to the statement, on June 7, 2026, when the championship was held, Meghwal was in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Rijiju, while sharing a 2025 video, also dismissed the claims, and he alleged that there was a conspiracy to malign the judiciary and other important institutions of India.

"It has become a fashion now to spread fake news. We have to be vigilant about this," he said.

"I believe Andaman and Nicobar Islands will play a decisive role in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Our target is Viksit Bharat, and I would like to request those who are spreading anti-India narratives... please don't do it... If you cannot contribute to India's growth, then please don't create hurdles through fake news," he said.

On Sunday (June 21, 2026), the Union Minister will participate as the Chief Guest at the International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island. Following the programme, he will depart for New Delhi.