India’s Strategic Expansion: Bitra Island in Lakshadweep Set for Defence Takeover Amid Local Resistance

In a move aimed at bolstering India’s maritime security, the Union Territory administration of Lakshadweep has initiated the process to acquire Bitra Island, one of the smallest and most remote inhabited islands in the archipelago, for exclusive use by the defence forces. The decision, though aligned with national strategic interests, has sparked concern and protest among local residents who fear displacement, cultural loss, and livelihood disruption.

Representational image. PTI | Firstpost

The Defence Imperative Behind the Acquisition

Bitra Island may appear insignificant in size—just 0.187 square kilometers with a population of around 270—but its strategic location in the Arabian Sea makes it a key asset for India’s maritime defence grid. Located nearly 483 kilometers west of Kochi, Bitra sits within a region of growing geopolitical importance. It lies along key international sea lanes and in close proximity to countries like the Maldives and Pakistan, making it vital for surveillance and operational readiness in the region.

The Indian Navy and Coast Guard have ramped up their presence in the Lakshadweep islands over the past decade. Bitra’s planned transformation into a defence base follows earlier developments such as INS Dweeprakshak on Kavaratti, commissioned in 2012, and the recent inauguration of INS Jatayu on Minicoy in March 2024. The addition of Bitra is part of India’s broader effort to strengthen its Integrated Coastal Surveillance System and secure its western coastline against threats like piracy, illegal fishing, narco-terrorism, and foreign naval incursions.

The Administrative Process and Legal Framework

On 11 July 2025, the Lakshadweep administration issued a formal notification to begin the land acquisition process. The move falls under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) has been initiated and is expected to be completed within two months. However, under existing legal provisions in the Union Territory, the administration is not required to obtain consent from individual landowners or community representatives before proceeding.

This technicality, while legal, has intensified local opposition. The absence of consultation with the island’s gram sabha or the families living there has raised ethical and political concerns. Locals argue that the process is undemocratic and disregards their rights as Scheduled Tribe members whose land and traditions are protected under Indian law.

Community Backlash and Fear of Displacement

For the residents of Bitra, the island is not merely a piece of land—it is their home, culture, and livelihood. The island’s economy is sustained by fishing, coconut farming, and occasional inter-island trade. Its surrounding lagoon, spanning about 45 square kilometers, serves as a vital fishing zone for the islanders as well as those from neighboring islands.

The prospect of losing access to this land has triggered anxiety and resistance. Islanders have begun gathering documentation to establish their land rights and are exploring legal avenues to challenge the acquisition. In a public protest, the Lakshadweep Students Association burned copies of the acquisition notice in Kochi, condemning the government’s unilateral decision. Misbahudheen P., the group’s president, accused the administration of ignoring the voices of those most affected and warned of intensified protests if the government proceeds without consensus.

Political Repercussions and Regional Sentiment

The move has also drawn sharp criticism from Lakshadweep’s lone Member of Parliament, Hamdullah Sayeed, who labelled the action as a “land grab” disguised as a security initiative. He has pledged to raise the issue in Parliament and pursue legal interventions, arguing that the displacement of Indigenous communities for defence infrastructure must be subjected to greater scrutiny and democratic oversight.

Sayeed’s opposition reflects a broader sentiment among many Lakshadweep residents who feel alienated from decisions made about their lands from distant bureaucratic offices. For them, Bitra is not just strategic real estate—it is ancestral land intertwined with their identity and survival.

The Bigger Picture: India’s Maritime Defence Strategy

Despite local opposition, defence analysts argue that the government’s move fits into a larger vision of ensuring national maritime security. As India seeks to become a dominant force in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), its western flank must be fortified. The transformation of Lakshadweep into a network of naval installations enables faster mobilisation, better coastal monitoring, and more effective deterrence against hostile entities.

The Indian Navy has steadily expanded its presence in island territories as part of this plan. Defence planners believe that Bitra’s acquisition will help fill a strategic gap between Kavaratti and Minicoy, allowing the Navy to maintain tighter control over the surrounding maritime zone and better coordinate surveillance operations.

Conclusion: Security vs Survival—The Dilemma of Bitra

The proposed acquisition of Bitra Island underscores a complex balancing act between national security and indigenous rights. While the defence rationale is compelling in the face of emerging maritime threats, it must not overshadow the legitimate concerns of the island’s residents. The government's challenge lies in forging a path that respects both strategic interests and the human dignity of those who call Bitra home.

The outcome of this standoff may set a precedent for future land use in India’s coastal and tribal territories. Whether the island becomes another node in India’s defence network or remains in the hands of its long-time inhabitants will depend on how sensitively and transparently the state navigates this difficult terrain.

(Sources: Firstpost, LiveMint, Economic Times)