Atlanta Bay Port project signals strategic shift in India’s Bay of Bengal vision

By Admin

15 Jan, 2026

India’s decision to develop an ultra-mega deep-water port at Atlanta Bay in North Andaman marks a significant turning point in its maritime and strategic outlook for the Bay of Bengal. Announced in October, the proposed dry-bulk transhipment port is currently undergoing a detailed techno-commercial feasibility assessment, reflecting the scale and complexity of what is being planned. Maritime and defence experts view the project as a clear signal of India’s intent to strengthen both its commercial footprint and strategic posture along one of the world’s most critical sea routes.

Strategic location and national oversight
The Atlanta Bay project has been placed under the direct oversight of the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Admiral DK Joshi (Retd), a former Chief of Naval Staff. This appointment underlines the strategic importance New Delhi attaches to the initiative. Sources suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the islands later this month, where he may review progress not only on Atlanta Bay but also on the container transhipment port planned at Galathea Bay, along with key defence installations across the island chain.

A port built for global-scale bulk trade
Atlanta Bay is envisioned as one of India’s most ambitious port developments to date. Designed to handle some of the world’s largest dry-bulk carriers, including Capesize vessels of up to 200,000 tonnes, the port is expected to feature the longest uninterrupted berth length in the country. This would position it as a major hub for bulk commodities such as coal, minerals, and industrial raw materials, significantly enhancing India’s bulk cargo handling capabilities in the eastern Indian Ocean.

Commercial infrastructure with strategic depth
While officially framed as a commercial venture, analysts note that infrastructure of this magnitude inevitably carries strategic value. A deep-water port in North Andaman would allow the Indian Navy and Coast Guard to operate larger vessels closer to vital shipping corridors in the Bay of Bengal. Such a facility could support refuelling, replenishment, and longer deployments, strengthening India’s ability to maintain a sustained presence in the region.

North Andaman’s proximity to some of the busiest sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific gives any nation operating there enhanced visibility over maritime traffic. India already hosts its only tri-service military command in the islands, supported by airbases, naval facilities, and advanced surveillance networks. The addition of a large commercial port at Atlanta Bay would reinforce this strategic architecture by easing the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies, while enabling naval assets to remain deployed for extended periods.

Regional competition and evolving security dynamics
Regional developments have added urgency to India’s plans. China has steadily expanded its influence in Bangladesh’s port sector, investing heavily in the modernisation of Chattogram and Mongla ports. Chinese naval vessels called at Chattogram in 2025, while Mongla where China has committed around $400 million in upgrades is viewed by analysts as having potential dual-use implications. Pakistan’s access to Mongla has further heightened strategic concerns in New Delhi, especially given the growing competition for influence across the Bay of Bengal.

Atlanta Bay and Galathea Bay: a dual-port vision
Atlanta Bay is being planned alongside the container transhipment port at Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar. While Galathea Bay is intended to capture container traffic currently routed through international hubs such as Singapore and Colombo, Atlanta Bay will focus on dry-bulk cargo. Together, these ports would anchor major maritime infrastructure at both the northern and southern ends of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, reshaping India’s maritime logistics map.

Economic gains and long-term strategic impact
Experts argue that the implications of these projects extend far beyond trade volumes. Economically, they are expected to reduce India’s reliance on overseas transhipment centres, lower logistics costs, and improve supply-chain resilience. Strategically, they would enhance India’s ability to safeguard and influence some of the most important maritime routes in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, the Atlanta Bay port project represents not just a new harbour, but a fundamental shift in India’s Bay of Bengal vision one that blends commercial ambition with long-term strategic foresight.