On Saturday, January 3, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared the Andaman and Nicobar Islands a "pilgrimage site for every Indian," while inaugurating nine major projects and laying the foundation for two more, totaling ₹373 crore. The initiatives include an Integrated Command & Control Centre aimed at enhancing the security infrastructure of the islands.

Shah, who arrived on a two-day visit to the islands on Friday, was warmly welcomed at Veer Savarkar International Airport by Lieutenant Governor Admiral DK Joshi, the Chief Secretary, senior officials, and local PRI members.

During his address, Shah emphasized the historical significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India's independence struggle. He highlighted that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had unfurled the national flag on December 30, 1943, and liberated the islands. In honor of Bose, Prime Minister Narendra Modi renamed two of the islands as 'Shaheed' and 'Swaraj'. Shah asserted that the islands are not merely a group of landmasses, but a sacred space shaped by the sacrifices of freedom fighters. He urged the youth to visit the Union Territory.

The Home Minister also chaired the Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of Home Affairs, focusing on the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). The meeting, held at Hotel Sea-Princess in Wandoor, included discussions between Members of Parliament from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and the Home Minister regarding the ministry's policies, programs, and their implementation. The committee serves as an advisory body, facilitating dialogue on issues related to internal security, governance, border management, cybercrime, and criminal justice reforms.

Following the meeting, Shah inaugurated an exhibition on the Naveen Nyaya Sanhita at the ITF field in Sri Vijaya Puram.

Hinting at the International transhipment project, oil exploration trial and other developmental projects in the archipelago, Shah expressed confidence that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will become a major contributor to the country's treasury in the next 10 years. He also stated his optimism that India will advance to become the third-largest economy in the world in two years.