On Saturday, 20th Jan, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of helping create opposition to the Great Nicobar Island development project and said his scuba-diving visit to the islands was used to build a campaign against the Centre’s plans.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: During The Andaman Ideas Summit 2026, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "That day Rahul Gandhi did scuba diving. Behind that scuba diving, an expenditure of Rs 26 crore was made and the entire ecosystem spread that news, linking that scuba diving with… pic.twitter.com/nmiDoHSvyo
— IANS (@ians_india) June 21, 2026
Speaking to India Today Editor Gaurav Sawant in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Rijiju said Rahul Gandhi’s scuba-diving trip, which he claimed cost ₹26 crore, was widely promoted to link marine life and environmental concerns with the proposed project.
Environment being used as an excuse
Rijiju said the opposition to the Great Nicobar project is not really about protecting the environment. According to him, environmental concerns are being used to stop a project that could give India major strategic and economic advantages in the future.
He said a large network of people and groups works against major infrastructure projects by raising environmental issues and creating public campaigns.
Rejecting fears of ecological damage, the minister said India has strong environmental laws and strict regulations. He said no government can damage forests, marine ecosystems or biodiversity at will, and every major project goes through proper checks before approval.
Rijiju added that critics of the project are making claims without providing detailed evidence and are ignoring the safeguards already in place.
Tribal communities will be protected
The minister also dismissed concerns that indigenous communities in the islands would be affected by the project. Referring to tribes such as the Shompen, Nicobarese, Great Andamanese, Jarawa and Sentinelese, he said governments have always protected their interests and that development projects have not disturbed these communities.
According to him, environmental protection, tribal welfare, industrial growth and infrastructure development can move forward together. He said the islands also have the potential to become one of the world’s most attractive tourism destinations.
Rahul Gandhi is part of a bigger ecosystem
Rijiju said Rahul Gandhi is only one part of a much larger ecosystem that, in his view, opposes projects linked to national development. He claimed that similar resistance is seen whenever dams, highways, mines or other major infrastructure projects are proposed.
He said court cases, protests and campaigns are often launched in the name of environmental protection to delay such projects.
Importance of blue economy and deep ocean mission
Highlighting the significance of the islands, Rijiju said India must make better use of its maritime resources through the blue economy. He pointed to the government’s Deep Ocean Mission and ongoing efforts to explore minerals and resources in the Indian Ocean.
The minister said India’s mission to explore ocean depths of up to 5,000 metres is progressing rapidly and reflects the country’s growing focus on marine resources and strategic capabilities.
Message to the opposition
As Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Rijiju said he maintains good relations with opposition leaders and welcomes criticism of the government. However, he said projects that serve national interests should not become political targets.
Addressing Rahul Gandhi directly, he said the Congress leader should play a constructive role and stay away from efforts that, in his view, slow down India’s progress. According to Rijiju, political differences are natural in a democracy, but development projects aimed at strengthening the country should receive support rather than opposition.
