ANDAMAN & NICOBAR UT SESSION
The Special Session on Andaman & Nicobar Islands, themed “Emerald Blue is Calling You: Partner in Andaman & Nicobar’s Maritime Future,” will spotlight the islands’ transformation into India’s Eastern Maritime Hub and Blue Economy powerhouse. The session will explore opportunities in port modernization, inter-island connectivity, cruise and ferry services, tourism, and sustainable fisheries. Bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and maritime experts, the discussion aims to accelerate infrastructure growth, foster public–private collaboration, and enhance regional integration—positioning Andaman & Nicobar as a strategic maritime gateway driving India’s Indo-Pacific engagement and shaping the nation’s sustainable Blue Economy vision.
- 02:30 PM ~ 04:30 PM
| Start Time | End Time | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02:30 PM | 02:35 PM | 5 minutes | Welcome Address & Context Setting by Shri B. Kasiviswanathan, IRSME, Chairperson, Cochin Port Authority |
| 02:35 PM | 02:55 PM | 20 minutes | Special Address by Hon’ble Lt.Governor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Theme: “Andaman & Nicobar – India’s Eastern Maritime Hub and Blue Economy Powerhouse” Setting the vision for maritime growth and regional integration. |
| 02:55 PM | 03:25 PM | 30 minutes | Panel Discussion: “Navigating Growth – Shipping, Tourism & Fisheries” (Moderated by Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration) Focus: Accelerating cruise tourism, port-led infrastructure development and sustainable blue economy growth through public–private collaboration. Discussion Segments: 1. Strengthening Maritime Infrastructure - Modernization of ports, jetties, inter-island connectivity, yacht marina development and cruise terminals. (Insights by Ms. Purva Garg, IAS, Secretary Shipping) 2. Blue Economy: Tourism and Fisheries Potential - Emerging prospects in cruise tourism, live aboard, houseboats, scuba diving circuits, water sports, seaplane operations, game fishing, blue flag beaches and coastal leisure tourism. (Insights by Ms. Chanchal Yadav, IAS, Commissioner (Tourism & Fisheries)) 3. Private Investment in Shipping: (Mr. Jadwet, Ship President Owner Association) (Insights by Director Fisheries) 4. Opportunities in maritime sports: (Mr. Vinod, PADI) |
| 03:25 PM | 03:30 PM | 5 minutes | Q&A Session |
| 03:30 PM | 03:40 PM | 10 minutes | Concluding Remarks (By Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration) Closing remarks by the Chief Secretary, summarizing key takeaways and highlighting Andaman & Nicobar’s maritime potential — coastline, EEZ, inter-island cruise projects, GNI initiative, integrated fishing harbours and port infrastructure expansion. Outlining future possibilities, actionable steps, and the way forward. |
| 03:40 PM | 03:42 PM | 2 minutes | Vote of Thanks |
SPOC Details:
Speakers
Admiral D K Joshi PVSM, AVSM,YSM,NM,VSM (Retd.)
Lieutenant Governor Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Dr Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS
Chief Secretary Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Ms Chanchal Yadav, IAS
Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Shipping) Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Ms Purva Garg, IAS
Secretary (Shipping) Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Mr. Jadwet
Ship President Owner Association
Mr. Vinod
PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors)
