Shekhar Gupta has called for the urgent militarization of the Nicobar Islands to address emerging security threats from the east [1].

This proposal highlights a perceived strategic gap in India's defense posture. While attention has historically focused on western borders, Gupta argues that the eastern seaboard in the Bay of Bengal requires a more robust military presence to deter regional instability.

The call comes exactly one year after the May 2025 [2] conflict known as Op Sindoor [3]. That period of instability shifted the strategic calculus for the region, leading to a renewed focus on how India secures its maritime boundaries.

Despite the tensions following Op Sindoor, some diplomatic channels have remained open. At least four back-channel meetings involving Indian and Pakistani strategic experts have taken place since that conflict [4]. These track 1.5 and 2 dialogues suggest an attempt to manage volatility through communication, even as calls for hardware and troop increases grow.

Gupta, hosting The Print’s National Interest program, said the current level of presence in the Nicobar Islands is insufficient to counter rising threats from the east [1]. He suggested that the neglect of this front leaves India vulnerable to incursions or strategic encirclement.

The Nicobar Islands serve as a critical gateway to the Indian Ocean. Increasing military infrastructure there would allow India to project power further into the eastern seaboard and monitor shipping lanes more effectively [1].

“India must look east and militarise Nicobar islands urgently”

The push to militarize the Nicobar Islands reflects a broader shift in Indian strategic thinking, moving from a primarily land-based defensive posture toward a maritime 'look east' strategy. By anchoring its defense in the Bay of Bengal, India seeks to create a strategic buffer that complements its diplomatic efforts to stabilize relations with neighbors following the 2025 Op Sindoor crisis.