Dehradun, May 2 -- Highlighting the strategic significance of the Great Nicobar Islands, Major General GS Rawat (Retd) on Saturday said the region's proximity to the Strait of Malacca, through which a major share of global and Chinese trade passes, makes it crucial for India's security and economic ambitions, even as concerns over ecological and environmental impact remain.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "Great Nicobar is 130-140 kilometres from the Strait of Malacca. 35-40% of the total trade of China and the world passes through there. It sure is a cause of concern that they will cause ecological and environmental disruption... but I assure you that if the government has approved such a large sum, it must have thought about the tribes there...