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.

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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.

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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.