The renaming comes after extensive historical consideration, as Port Blair’s original name reflected its colonial origins, being named after British naval officer Captain Archibald Blair. The new name, Sri Vijaya Puram, draws inspiration from the legacy of the Chola Empire, which once had a prominent naval presence in the region. Additionally, Shah highlighted that the islands hosted key moments in India’s independence struggle, including the hoisting of the tricolor by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the site of the infamous Cellular Jail, where freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, were imprisoned.
This renaming effort follows similar moves by the Indian government in past years, particularly in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In 2018, several islands were renamed to honor Subhas Chandra Bose. The previous renaming of Ross Island to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, Neil Island to Shaheed Dweep, and Havelock Island to Swaraj Dweep highlighted the shift towards recognizing historical significance over colonial connections.
Sri Vijaya Puram’s renaming is seen as part of a larger initiative by the Modi government to instill a sense of national pride and cultural identity. Since 2014, various cities, streets, and landmarks have been renamed to reflect historical or cultural significance rather than colonial influence. This change has sparked both praise and criticism, with supporters emphasizing the importance of decolonizing public spaces and critics suggesting it overshadows more pressing governance issues.
Beyond its symbolic value, the renaming holds strategic importance. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are critical for India’s naval strategy in the Indo-Pacific region, serving as a vital outpost for monitoring key sea routes. Amit Shah highlighted that Sri Vijaya Puram, with its strategic positioning, will continue to play a crucial role in India's defense and development aspirations in the region.