Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, will deliver the keynote address at the Andaman Ideas Summit 2026.
The summit will examine the growing strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands within India’s maritime vision, Indo-Pacific engagement and blue economy ambitions.
Admiral (Retd.) Devendra Kumar Joshi, Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will share insights on the region’s evolving development priorities and governance landscape.
His address will focus on balancing infrastructure growth, environmental sustainability and strategic importance within India’s broader maritime and Indo-Pacific vision.
Speakers & Panelists
Policymakers, industry leaders, maritime experts and strategic thinkers driving conversations on connectivity, logistics and the blue economy.
A forum on India’s island future
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are entering a decisive phase in their development trajectory. Positioned at the intersection of global shipping routes, defence strategy, tourism expansion, and emerging regional trade linkages, the islands are becoming increasingly central to India’s maritime outlook and Indian Ocean engagement.
The Andaman Ideas Summit is conceived as a platform to bring together policymakers, infrastructure leaders, logistics stakeholders, strategic experts, and industry voices to examine the islands’ long-term development pathway within the framework of India’s maritime strategy and Indo-Pacific ambitions.
Shaping the Future of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands stand at a pivotal moment in their journey of transformation. Long seen primarily as remote outposts, the islands are now emerging as a region of growing strategic, economic and policy importance. Their location along some of the world’s busiest sea lanes places them at the heart of conversations around maritime security, regional connectivity, tourism growth and evolving trade networks across the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific.
The Andaman Ideas Summit is envisioned as a forum where these emerging possibilities can be examined in depth. By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, infrastructure developers, logistics experts and strategic thinkers, the summit seeks to foster meaningful dialogue on how the islands can shape their future while aligning with India’s broader maritime vision and regional ambitions. The objective is to create a space for informed discussion, practical ideas and collaborative thinking on the long-term development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Why this conversation matters now?
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are increasingly gaining attention within India’s broader focus on the Bay of Bengal and the Indo-Pacific region. As maritime trade routes grow more important and regional connectivity deepens, the islands are becoming part of larger discussions on logistics networks, coastal supply chains, port-led development and strategic infrastructure.
At the same time, the islands present unique opportunities and challenges. Their tourism potential, ecological sensitivity and strategic location require approaches to development that carefully balance economic growth, environmental protection and long-term regional stability.
This makes it an important moment for policymakers, experts and industry leaders to exchange ideas and perspectives on how development in the islands can be approached thoughtfully, sustainably and in alignment with India’s wider maritime priorities.
Themes of discussion
Examining the role of ports, shipping corridors and logistics infrastructure in strengthening island connectivity and advancing India’s maritime economy.
Assessing port-centric growth strategies and their implications for trade facilitation, coastal industry and regional supply chains.
Exploring development pathways that balance tourism expansion with environmental protection, climate resilience and sustainable island ecosystems.
Analysing the geopolitical and security significance of island territories within India’s Indo-Pacific and maritime strategy.
Identifying prospects in fisheries, marine services, ocean-based renewable energy and maritime trade networks.
Reviewing institutional frameworks and policy approaches suited to the distinctive economic and social needs of island regions.
Who will participate
The summit will convene policymakers, infrastructure leaders, logistics stakeholders, defence and maritime experts, investors and development practitioners engaged in shaping India’s island and maritime future.
Participation will be by invitation only.
