Home Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the first meeting of the newly constituted Islands Development Agency (IDA) in New Delhi today. <br/><br/>The IDA was set up last month following the Prime Minister's review meeting for the development of islands. According to an official release, during the meeting, Mr Singh 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.<br/><br/>The progress being made for the formulation of integrated master plans and other matters concerning the islands development was reviewed. It was also decided that Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Administrator of Lakshadweep Islands will be included as members of IDA. <br/><br/>After detailed consultations, ten islands namely Smith, Ross, Aves, Long and Little Andaman in Andaman and Nicobar and Minicoy, Bangaram, Suheli, Cherium and Tinnakara in Lakshadweep have been identified for holistic development in the first phase.