Andaman and Nicobar Islands to go nuclear? BARC plans small reactors amid China’s growing Indian Ocean presence

India is exploring the use of nuclear power in the strategically important Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with scientists from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) assessing possible locations for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), according to a TOI report. A team from the Department of Atomic Energy is visiting all three districts from September 4 to 8, 2026, as the Union Territory prepares for a sharp rise in electricity demand from major infrastructure projects.

The proposed reactors are being considered as part of efforts to meet the power requirements associated with projects including the International Container Transhipment Terminal, a greenfield airport and deep-water multipurpose ports. The BARC team also briefed Andaman and Nicobar Islands Lieutenant Governor Admiral D K Joshi on potential sites and features of the proposed SMR plan.

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BARC begins search for possible reactor sites

The site assessment follows a recommendation to consider SMRs for the islands as their electricity requirements are expected to grow alongside planned large-scale infrastructure.

BARC scientists are examining suitable locations across all three districts during their September 4-8 visit. The proposed facilities are being considered in the context of the archipelago’s expanding infrastructure, including the transhipment terminal, airport, deep-water ports and associated power requirements.

The team met Lieutenant Governor Admiral D K Joshi on September 4 at Lok Niwas and made a presentation on prospective sites and other aspects of the proposed plan.

Great Nicobar project could sharply raise power demand

The SMR proposal comes as the Great Nicobar Project takes shape.

The government’s project includes a 14.2 million TEU International Container Transhipment Terminal at Galathea Bay, a greenfield international airport, a planned township and power infrastructure. The Centre has described the project as having strategic, defence and national importance.

The terminal is intended to strengthen India’s position as a maritime and logistics hub by taking advantage of Great Nicobar’s location near major east-west shipping routes. The proposed airport and township are also expected to support the wider development of the island.

A reliable power supply is particularly important for this expansion. The government’s Great Nicobar project backgrounder notes that reliable electricity is essential for the transhipment terminal, airport and associated urban infrastructure.

Why Great Nicobar matters strategically

The location of the proposed infrastructure gives the nuclear power discussion significance beyond electricity generation.

The government has described the Great Nicobar Project as strategically important for strengthening India’s presence in the Andaman Sea and Southeast Asia, while improving maritime and defence capabilities. It has also said that a strong and permanent defence presence on Great Nicobar would help India monitor and secure maritime routes and counter the growing presence of foreign powers in the Indian Ocean.

Great Nicobar’s proximity to major maritime routes places it close to the wider sea lanes connecting the Indian Ocean with Southeast Asia. This makes the island important to India’s broader maritime and strategic outlook.

Islands also home to INS Baaz

The strategic importance of the island is also reflected in the presence of INS Baaz at Campbell Bay.

The naval air station, commissioned in 2012, was described by the Ministry of Defence as India’s southernmost air station. At its commissioning, then Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma highlighted its position overlooking the Strait of Malacca and the Six Degree Channel.

Great Nicobar therefore sits at the intersection of India’s infrastructure, energy and security interests. The proposed SMRs would add another layer to that development by potentially providing a dependable power source for an increasingly important island infrastructure network.

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Andaman and Nicobar’s startegic importance

The islands are also home to the Andaman and Nicobar Command, India’s only integrated tri-services command.

The command’s location reflects the archipelago’s position astride important maritime routes. Its role forms part of India’s broader effort to protect maritime interests and maintain a presence in the eastern Indian Ocean.

With infrastructure projects expanding on Great Nicobar and across the Union Territory, the requirement for dependable power is becoming increasingly important. The current BARC exercise marks an early stage in examining whether SMRs can form part of that future energy infrastructure.

At present, scientists are assessing potential locations rather than announcing the construction of a nuclear reactor. The site inspections will help determine the suitability of locations for the proposed SMR plan as the islands prepare for their next phase of infrastructure development.