Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 2: The Bharatiya Janata Party, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, welcomes the Union Budget 2026–27, which delivers a comprehensive and transformative development roadmap for the archipelago. The Budget positions ANI as a strategic maritime outpost and a cornerstone of India’s Blue Economy, enhancing the Islands’ role in maritime security, logistics, and international trade.
The Budget provides a major boost to fisheries, with fish caught in ANI’s Exclusive Economic Zone becoming duty-free, ensuring improved incomes for local fishers. Fish landed at foreign ports will be treated as exports, strengthening value chains, empowering women-led groups, and supporting FPOs.
Reduction of duty on seafood processing inputs will lower logistics costs and enable ANI’s seafood sector to become globally competitive.
The Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme aims to raise coastal and inland water cargo to 12% by 2047, supporting efficient freight movement. The Integrated East Coast Industrial Corridor and the Great Nicobar Project will position ANI as a major centre for port-led development, trans-shipment, bunkering, services, and warehousing. Development of 20 new National Waterways will further enhance maritime connectivity.
Viability Gap Funding for seaplanes and indigenous manufacturing will strengthen inter-island transport. Eco-tourism initiatives such as Turtle Trails and Bird-watching Trails, along with the National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid, will digitally promote ANI’s biodiversity, heritage, and culture.
The Budget provides for 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars, improving water availability and supporting fisheries and agriculture. A strong focus on skill development includes training 10,000 tour guides and establishing the National Institute of Hospitality, expanding tourism and youth employment. ANI will also benefit from the ₹2 lakh crore SASCI scheme for bridges, jetties, ports, power, and water projects.
Support for renewable energy, the Mahata Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative, AVGC labs in schools, MSME support through TReDS and the ₹10,000 crore SME Fund, and strengthened agriculture and coconut sectors ensure holistic, sustainable, and inclusive growth for the Islands.