Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the proposed Great Nicobar Island development project, alleging that the government's claims of strengthening national security and maritime infrastructure are being used to mask a large-scale commercial venture that could permanently damage one of India's most ecologically sensitive regions.

Sharing a video documenting his recent visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha claimed the ambitious project would lead to massive environmental destruction, displacement of local communities and irreversible damage to the island's unique biodiversity.

In the video, Gandhi questioned the government's stated rationale for the project, arguing that the development has little to do with defence requirements and instead serves private commercial interests.

"The Modi government says this is about national security and a transshipment port. It is not," Gandhi said, alleging that pristine rainforest, coral ecosystems and tribal lands are being sacrificed to pave the way for hotels, casinos and real-estate projects.

Gandhi said that if the government's objective was genuinely strategic, it should prioritise the expansion of INS Baaz, India's naval air station located in the Nicobar Islands.

According to him, the military facility has sought expansion for years and could be upgraded without clearing large tracts of rainforest.

"If you want to make a military argument then absolutely expand INS Baaz, make it as big as you want.. by the way you don't need to cut rainforest because around INS Baaz, you have plenty of land that you can expand to," he said.

The Congress MP further alleged that defence considerations are being used as a shield to push through a project that primarily benefits corporate interests.

During his visit, Gandhi interacted with settlers, former servicemen and tribal representatives who, he claimed, fear losing land and livelihoods due to the project.

He alleged that local residents are not receiving adequate compensation and accused authorities of undermining legal protections meant to safeguard forest-dwelling communities.

The former Congress president also raised concerns over the reported felling of millions of trees and alleged that coral reef ecosystems have been overlooked in official assessments.

Congress targets Centre over Adani link allegations

Escalating his criticism, Gandhi alleged that the project's real beneficiaries are private business interests rather than local residents or national security agencies.

"INS Baaz is also on the coast. The point is that they want to help Mr. (Gautam) Adani and these criminals are hiding behind the Navy, behind the forces, to steal Indian land," he said, claiming the project is ultimately designed to support commercial tourism and real-estate development.

The BJP and the Centre have repeatedly rejected opposition allegations regarding links between government projects and business groups.

The Great Nicobar development project has emerged as one of the most debated infrastructure proposals in recent years, with supporters highlighting its strategic importance in the Indian Ocean region and critics warning of severe environmental and social consequences.