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Rs 90,000 crore Great Nicobar project targets Malacca trade lifeline and lifts India’s defence reach
India
Published on 15 May 2026
Malacca sees 29% of global maritime oil flows
India is moving ahead with a ₹90,000 crore Great Nicobar project spanning 166 sq km, featuring a transshipment port and an international airport near the Malacca Strait. Backed as both strategic and economic, the port aims for 16 million containers annually, with the first phase targeting commissioning by 2028 at ₹18,000 crore and over 4 million containers per year. Defence figures cite Malacca’s role as Asia’s primary oil chokepoint, warning delays could advantage China.
- Project cost is estimated at ₹90,000 crore across 166 sq km
- Includes a transshipment port and an international airport with logistics
- Port capacity target: 16 million containers annually after completion
- First phase by 2028: ₹18,000 crore, over 4 million containers per year
- Malacca moves about 23.2 million barrels per day of oil in 2025 H1
- China forms 48% of import volumes passing through the strait in 2025 H1
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times