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The Island Development Agency is a think tank set up by the Govt. of India for improving maritime economy, preserving the Eco-system and addressing security concerns of the Indian Islands. The Chairman of IDA is the [Prime Minister of India], and the Vice-Chairman is Admiral [Devendra Kumar Joshi], former Navy Chief,who also happens to be the Leitunent Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The nine islands chosen from a total of 1382 mapped by the government, include Smith, Ross, Aves, Long and Little Andaman in Andaman and Nicobar and Minicoy, Bangaram, Suheli, Cherium and Tinnakara in Lakshadweep.

History
The IDA was set up on June 01, 2017 following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s review meeting for the development of islands.

On July 24, 2017, The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the first meeting of the newly constituted Islands Development Agency (IDA). He presented the vision for developing India’s maritime economy while preserving the natural eco-system and addressing the security concerns. He emphasized upon the need for sustainable development of Islands with people’s participation.The CEO, NITI Aayog Amitabh kant made a detailed presentation on the current status and the way forward for holistic development of identified islands. Admiral D.K. Joshi, former Navy Chief and Vice Chairman of IDA suggested taking up suitable interventions for sustainable implementation of planned projects. It was also decided in this meeting that the government heads of the two islands will also be included as members of IDA.

On November 08, 2017, The second meeting of IDA was conducted, chaired by Rajnath Singh. In this meeting, it was decided that the Naval air station at Shibpur near Diglipur in northern Andaman & Nicobar Islands would be co-used as Joint User Airport. It was also decided that Lakshadweep will get it's second airport at Minicoy Island to boost tourism. Promotion of tuna fishing industry was also a Top priority of the IDA, which will be meant for improving livelihoods in Lakshadweep.

Members
The members of IDA are(in no particular order):


 * The Prime Minister as the Chairman
 * Vice Chairman: Admiral D K Joshi (also Lieutenant governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
 * Administrator of Lakshadweep
 * CEO, Niti Aayog
 * Cabinet Secretary
 * Home Secretary
 * Secretary (Environment, Forests and Climate Change)
 * Secretary (Tourism)
 * Secretary (Tribal Welfare)