Why Andaman and Nicobar Islands Are key to Indo-Pacific Security

Context 

The Strategic Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) are undergoing massive military infrastructure upgrades.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

History of India’s Association with Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• Aftermath of 1857 Revolution: The British developed a penal colony on the Andaman and Nicobar islands, where numerous Indian revolutionaries and freedom fighters were imprisoned for life.
• Japanese Occupation: The Japanese conquered the Andaman and Nicobar islands as a potential springboard for an invasion of India following their occupation of Singapore.
• Liberation from British Rule: When Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose visited Port Blair and hoisted the INA tricolor, the islands became India’s first ‘liberated’ territory from British administration.
• British Reoccupation of the Island: The British reoccupied the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after the Japanese surrendered in 1945.
• Post Independence Scenario: British Chiefs of Staff supported preserving it as a Crown possession. However, British Prime Minister Clement Atlee ignored the recommendations and gave India the island.
• Neglect of the Island: From Independence till 1962, the island was treated with benign neglect by New Delhi due to Kalapani’s grim connotation and the islands’ remoteness.
• Formation of Naval Garrison: When the Indian Navy (IN) reported the sighting of a Chinese submarine in 1962, the government authorized the formation of a ‘naval garrison’ with 150 sailors.
• Establishment of a Unified Command: The Andaman Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s first joint and unified operational command, was established in Port Blair following a post-Kargil War security review.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) as Key to Indo-Pacific Security

• Group of Islands: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) consists of two groups of islands, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands, covering an area of 8,249 sq km.
  • The entire island chain consists of 836 islands, including islets and rocky outcrops, of which some 38 are permanently inhabited.
• Strategic Location and Maritime Chokepoints: Situated at the entrance of the Strait of Malacca, the long chain of ANI connects one of the world’s most crucial trade chokepoints.
  • They offer India the capability to monitor traffic flow from the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean) to the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean).
  • Nearly 70,000 1,20,000 ships sailing through the Indian Ocean pass-through the Strait of Malacca and the neighbouring Six Degrees channel. 
• Potential for Power Projection and Maritime Domain Awareness: Port Blair, the capital of these islands, is just 20 nautical miles away from Myanmar, and the southern point, known as Indira Point, is 90 nautical miles away from Indonesia. 
• Geoeconomic Significance: The island gives India an exclusive economic zone of 300,000 square kilometres with the potential for undersea hydrocarbon and mineral resources.

Suggestions to Improve Andaman Nicobar Command

• Maintaining of Maritime Domain Awareness: To obviate the possibility of intrusions by state and non-state entities, ANC will need to maintain three-dimensional maritime domain awareness
  • It can be done through networked assets, including radars, aircraft, satellites and unmanned vehicles.
• Equipping ANC with Defensive and Offensive Power: The command must be invested with adequate defensive and offensive firepower, as well as rapid-reaction forces with amphibious and airlift capabilities. 
• Counter Transits of PLA Navy (PLAN): Frequent transits of PLAN warships, submarines, and research vessels hint at a long-term Chinese naval presence.
• Need for Indian Navy  Preparedness: The presence may include nuclear attack submarines, necessitating the Indian navy to bolster anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the A&N.

Strategic Upgradation of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI)

• Enhancing Security Infrastructure: Reported upgrades in security infrastructure should ideally align with a comprehensive strategy to transform the A&N islands into a robust maritime stronghold.
• Strategic Objectives: This transformation aims not only to expand India’s defensive perimeter but also to facilitate power projection and diplomatic outreach to maritime neighbors.
• Cooperation with Partners: Recognizing the need for collaboration, India must engage with like-minded partners to ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Port Blair as a Regional Hub:  Port Blair could serve as a central hub for regional navies to foster interoperability in various areas such as disaster relief, medical aid, counter-piracy efforts, search and rescue operations, and other cooperative maritime endeavors.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Conclusion

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands serve as a strategic stronghold in the Indo-Pacific, representing India’s commitment to protecting maritime interests. Strengthening defence capabilities, developing regional collaboration, are critical to sustaining long-term peace and prosperity.

DOWNLOAD PDF