What is the southernmost point of India?
Introduction
India, with its vast geographical diversity, stretches from the towering Himalayas in the north to the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean in the south. While most people recognize Kanyakumari as the southernmost point, this is only true for the Indian mainland. The actual southernmost point of the Republic of India is much farther south—on a remote island in the Nicobar archipelago. This point is known as Indira Point, a geographic landmark of both strategic and environmental importance.
What Is Indira Point?
Indira Point is located on the southern tip of Great Nicobar Island, the largest of the Nicobar Islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory of India. With coordinates 6°45′10″N and 93°49′36″E, it is the southernmost tip of India’s territory, extending deep into the Indian Ocean.
Quick Facts:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Indira Point |
| Location | Great Nicobar Island |
| Union Territory | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| District | Nicobar |
| Latitude | 6°45′10″N |
| Ocean | Indian Ocean (Bay of Bengal region) |
| Nearest Country | Indonesia (Sumatra) |
| Named After | Indira Gandhi, former PM of India |
Historical Background
Originally known as Pygmalion Point or Parsons Point, the location was renamed Indira Point in 1985 in honor of Indira Gandhi, India’s first female Prime Minister, following her assassination in 1984. The renaming was meant to commemorate her leadership and her efforts to develop India’s remote regions.
Geographic Significance
Indira Point lies 563 km (350 miles) south of Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of the Indian mainland. It is just about 145 km from the northernmost tip of Sumatra Island (Indonesia), making it strategically significant for maritime surveillance and international sea trade routes.
The point is marked by a lighthouse, which serves as a navigation aid for ships traveling in the busy Malacca Strait region. This strait is one of the most important maritime trade routes in the world, linking the Indian Ocean with the Pacific Ocean.
Accessibility and Infrastructure
Indira Point is not easily accessible to civilians. Travel is restricted, and one needs special permits to visit Great Nicobar Island due to its strategic location and the presence of indigenous tribes like the Shompens and Nicobarese.
The nearest town is Campbell Bay, which houses an Indian naval base and a satellite communication center. From Port Blair (the capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Campbell Bay can be reached by ship or limited flights, followed by a rugged journey southward to Indira Point.
Tsunami Impact: A Tragic Shift
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, had a devastating impact on Indira Point. The area saw a substantial subsidence—nearly 4.25 meters. Much of the land was submerged, and the once-standing lighthouse found itself nearly underwater.
Tragically, several residents of the area—mostly involved in lighthouse operations—lost their lives. The lighthouse was repaired, and though the area remains under constant scientific monitoring, the trauma of 2004 still lingers.
Strategic and Environmental Importance
Strategic Importance
- Geopolitical Location: Located near the 10-degree channel and the Six Degree Channel, Indira Point offers India a valuable naval and surveillance position.
- Indian Navy & Coast Guard: Its proximity to Southeast Asia and the busy shipping lanes makes it a critical outpost for maritime security.
- International Relations: Its closeness to Indonesia creates a strategic maritime neighborhood, making Indo-Indonesian cooperation vital.
Environmental Importance
- Biosphere Reserve: Great Nicobar Island is part of the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized ecological hotspot with rich biodiversity.
- Flora & Fauna: Home to rare species like the Nicobar megapode, saltwater crocodiles, and giant leatherback turtles.
- Climate: The region experiences tropical rainforest climate with heavy monsoons and high humidity, nurturing a wide range of ecosystems.
Comparison: Indira Point vs. Kanyakumari
| Feature | Indira Point | Kanyakumari |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Great Nicobar Island (UT) | Tamil Nadu (Mainland India) |
| Latitude | 6°45′10″N | 8°04′N |
| Ocean | Indian Ocean | Indian Ocean + Arabian Sea + Bay of Bengal |
| Accessibility | Restricted, requires permits | Tourist-friendly, well-connected |
| Significance | Southernmost territorial point | Southernmost mainland point |
Tourism Potential
Although off-limits to general tourism, there is a growing discourse around promoting eco-tourism and scientific tourism in Great Nicobar. However, this has to be balanced carefully with:
- Preservation of indigenous cultures
- Environmental conservation
- Strategic sensitivity
The government has proposed some development projects, including a transshipment port and connectivity infrastructure, but these plans are met with both enthusiasm and concern from environmentalists and indigenous rights groups.
Future Prospects
India has recognized the strategic value of Indira Point and Great Nicobar. In recent years:
- Investments have been planned for better connectivity and defense infrastructure.
- A mega-infrastructure project includes an international container transshipment terminal, airport, and power plant.
- This project aims to make India more competitive with nearby ports like Singapore and Colombo.
However, development must ensure:
- Minimal displacement of tribal communities
- Protection of biodiversity
- Respect for ecological balance
Conclusion
Indira Point stands not only as a geographic marker but as a symbol of India’s geostrategic reach, environmental richness, and cultural diversity. Though physically remote, it is deeply integral to India’s national identity and sovereignty. As India steps into the future, balancing development, defense, and ecological stewardship at its southernmost edge will remain a critical challenge and opportunity.
