Nestled in the azure waters of the Arabian Sea, Kavaratti—the capital of India’s Lakshadweep archipelago—is more than just a tropical paradise. With a population of just over 11,000, this tiny coral atoll carries the weight of history, geopolitics, and environmental crises that mirror some of the most pressing issues of our time.
Kavaratti’s history is inextricably linked to its geography. Located roughly 400 kilometers off the coast of Kerala, the island has long been a waypoint for traders, colonizers, and naval powers. The Portuguese, Dutch, and British all vied for control of Lakshadweep, recognizing its strategic value in dominating the Arabian Sea trade routes.
Today, Kavaratti sits at the heart of India’s maritime security strategy. With China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean—through projects like the Belt and Road Initiative and its military base in Djibouti—India has been forced to reinforce its defenses. The Indian Navy’s presence in Kavaratti is a direct response to Beijing’s "String of Pearls" strategy, which seeks to encircle India with military and economic influence.
Though Kavaratti was never a major colonial outpost, British rule left deep scars. The islanders were subjected to exploitative copra (dried coconut kernel) trade policies, which drained local resources while enriching distant merchants. Post-independence, Kavaratti—like much of Lakshadweep—struggled with underdevelopment.
Even now, the island grapples with infrastructure deficits. Electricity is unreliable, freshwater is scarce (despite desalination plants), and healthcare facilities are minimal. These challenges are exacerbated by the Indian government’s strict regulations on tourism and outside investment, ostensibly to protect the fragile ecosystem but often criticized as bureaucratic overreach.
Kavaratti’s economy hinges on fishing, but climate change is rewriting the rules. Rising sea temperatures have disrupted fish migration patterns, while coral bleaching—a direct result of ocean acidification—has devastated marine biodiversity. For local fishermen, this isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s an existential threat.
Meanwhile, illegal fishing by Chinese trawlers in the region has further strained resources. India’s Coast Guard has intercepted multiple vessels, but the problem persists, highlighting the broader struggle for control over the Indian Ocean’s riches.
Kavaratti’s culture is a blend of Arab, Malabari, and indigenous traditions. The island’s mosques, built with intricate coral stonework, stand as silent witnesses to centuries of Islamic influence brought by Arab traders. Yet, despite its Muslim-majority population, Kavaratti has largely escaped the communal tensions that plague mainland India.
This harmony, however, is being tested. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government has pushed for policies—like beef bans and stricter religious regulations—that clash with local customs. Many islanders fear that New Delhi’s Hindu nationalist agenda could disrupt their way of life.
Unlike the neighboring Maldives, which gained independence from Britain in 1965, Lakshadweep remains under direct federal administration. This has led to tensions, especially when policies are imposed without local consultation. In 2021, mass protests erupted over proposed reforms by then-administrator Praful Khoda Patel, including a controversial beef ban and land acquisition laws seen as favoring corporate interests.
The backlash forced the government to backtrack, but the episode underscored a deeper truth: Kavaratti may be small, but its people are fiercely protective of their rights.
The Indian government has eyed Kavaratti as a potential tourist hotspot, akin to the Maldives. But unlike the Maldives, which has embraced luxury resorts (at great environmental cost), Kavaratti’s leaders are wary. Overdevelopment could destroy coral reefs, exacerbate freshwater shortages, and erode cultural identity.
Yet, without tourism, the island’s economy may stagnate. The challenge is finding a balance—one that preserves Kavaratti’s heritage while ensuring its survival in a rapidly changing world.
As India and China jostle for dominance in the Indian Ocean, Kavaratti finds itself on the front lines. India’s recent military upgrades in the region—including a new naval detachment—signal that the island’s strategic importance will only grow.
For the people of Kavaratti, this means living under the shadow of great-power rivalry. But if history is any guide, they’ve weathered storms before—and they’ll do so again.