INTRODUCTION

• The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), which was established on October 1, 2001, is India's unified military command, combining the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar (CINCAN). It is tasked with defending and securing the strategically vital Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.

FEATURES OF ANDAMAN NICOBAR COMMAND:

• Tri-Service Command: 

• The ANC is the first and only integrated tri-service command in India that brings together the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single unified command structure, allowing for better coordination and faster decision-making.

• Military Assets: 

• The ANC has a variety of military assets at its disposal, including: 

• Army Infantry Brigade with armoured columns

• Navy warships, including missile corvettes, amphibious warfare ships, offshore patrol vehicles, and landing craft vessels

• Air Force bases with fighter jets, maritime patrol aircraft, and transport planes.

IMPORTANCE:

• Countering China's Growing Presence:

• China's Military Activity: 

• A significant threat could arise from a concentration of Chinese naval forces at the eastern chokepoints of the Indo-Pacific. 

• These crucial passageways include the Malacca Strait (located between Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula), the Sunda Strait (situated between Java and Sumatra), the Lombok Strait (between Bali and Lombok), and the Ombai-Wetar Strait (near East Timor).

• China has been also increasing its military presence in the Indian Ocean region, including building a military base in Djibouti and establishing a strategically located facility in Myanmar's Coco Islands, just 55 km north of the Andamans.

• Securing Trade Routes:

• Strategic Location: 

• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie astride vital shipping lanes, including the Malacca Strait, through which a significant portion of India's trade passes.

• Example: According to the World Bank, in 2021, the total value of merchandise trade that transited the Malacca Strait was estimated at $5.3 trillion.  Upgrading the ANC strengthens India's ability to safeguard these routes.

• Sabang in Indonesia is 90 nautical miles southeast of Indira Point (on Great Nicobar island), and Coco Island (Myanmar) is barely 18 nautical miles from the northernmost tip of the Andamans. 

• Project Kra Canal connecting the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea, its mouth would be about 350 nautical miles east of Port Blair.

• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ):

• The Islands give India substantial ocean space under the United Nations Conference on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) in terms of exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

• The waters around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands encompass a vast EEZ rich in natural resources, including fish, minerals, and potential oil reserves. Upgrading the ANC bolsters India's ability to protect these resources.

• Example: Island gives India an exclusive economic zone of 300,000 square kilometres with the potential for undersea hydrocarbon and mineral resources.

 

• Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance:

• Both India and Southeast Asian nations are prone to natural disasters. 

• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in a seismically active zone and are prone to cyclones and tsunamis. 

• Example: The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami caused widespread devastation in the Andamans. Upgrading infrastructure allows for faster and more effective response to such events in the future.

• The ANC can be a vital resource for rapid response and humanitarian assistance in the region, strengthening partnerships which builds goodwill with Southeast Asian countries, a key Look East Policy Objective.

• Regional Security Cooperation:

• Maintaining Stability: A well-equipped ANC can participate more effectively in regional security dialogues and joint exercises with friendly nations, promoting stability and cooperation in the Indian Ocean.

• India has conducted several joint military exercises with Thailand, including: Maitree Exercise, Siam Bharat, Ex-Ayutthaya, and COBRA GOLD (Observer Plus).

• India has also conducted joint military exercises with Indonesia, including: Garuda Shakti, IND-INDO CORPAT, and Samudra Shakti.

CHALLENGES FACED:

• Infrastructure Constraints:

• The current infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including airfields, jetties, and storage facilities, needs significant upgrades to accommodate larger deployments of troops, warships, and advanced weaponry.

• A 2021 report by the NITI Aayog highlighted the limited runway capacity at Port Blair Airport, a crucial element for the ANC. 

• Resource Allocation:

• Competing Priorities: 

• India has a vast coastline and multiple borders to secure. 

• Balancing resource allocation between the ANC and other military needs can be challenging.

• Manpower Requirements:

• Unique Environment: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have challenging terrain and harsh climatic conditions. 

• Attracting and retaining qualified personnel for long-term deployments can be difficult.

• A 2020 study by the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) noted the challenges in retaining personnel in the island territories due to logistical difficulties and the lack of social amenities. 

• Integration and Interoperability:

• Three Services, One Command: Successfully integrating the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a unified command structure requires overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and establishing clear lines of communication.

• Ecological Sensitivity: 

• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands boast rich biodiversity and fragile ecosystems. Balancing military development with environmental protection is crucial.

• Example: The islands are home to several indigenous tribes such as Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas, Sentinelese, Nicobarese, and Shompens.

• Also it is the home to many Critically endangered species such as Andaman shrew (Crocidura andamanensis), Jenkin's shrew (Crocidura jenkinsi), and Nicobar shrew (Crocidura nicobarica)

OTHER THREATS

• Piracy:  

• While less common than in the past, piracy remains a concern in Southeast Asian waters. The remoteness of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands makes them a potential target for pirate activity.

• Example: In 2011, a Thai cargo ship was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Aceh, Indonesia, highlighting the ongoing threat in the region.

• Illegal  Fishing:  Unregulated fishing by foreign vessels depletes fish stocks in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the Andamans, impacting local livelihoods and marine ecosystems.

• Example: A 2020 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimated that illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing accounts for up to 30% of global fish catches.

• Non-State Actors:  

• Terrorist organisations and other non-state actors pose a potential threat to security in the region. 

• The Andamans could be targeted due to their symbolic importance or to disrupt regional stability.

• Cyber Threats:  

• The increasing reliance on technology makes the ANC vulnerable to cyberattacks that could disrupt communication and critical infrastructure.

WAY FORWARD:

• Enhanced Infrastructure:

• Upgrading Airfields and Ports:  

• The islands span 420 nautical miles (777 km) from north to south, requiring surveillance and patrol by aircraft and surface vessels. 

• The area needs separate airfields with long runways capable of accommodating Boeing 737-sized aircraft.

• Deepen harbours to allow access for larger warships and submarines.

• Example: Doubling the runway capacity at Port Blair Airport could allow for simultaneous deployment of fighter jets and long-range maritime patrol aircraft, enhancing response capabilities.

• The construction of the transshipment port at Galathea Bay on Great Nicobar Island needs to be accelerated.

• Maritime services for international and Indian shipping, such as repair facilities and logistics support, must be developed.

• Fuel Storage Facilities:

• Ports and fuel storages must be built in both the northern and southern groups of the islands for ships’ operational turnaround without the need to return to Port Blair.

• Improved Logistics and Communication:  

• Invest in better communication infrastructure, including fibre optic cables, and establish robust logistical networks to ensure faster and more efficient movement of troops, equipment, and supplies.

• Example: A 2023 study by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) estimated that improved logistics infrastructure in the Andamans could reduce transportation costs by 20%.

• 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.

• Resource Optimization and Prioritization:

• Strategic Resource Allocation: 

• Allocate resources based on a threat assessment, prioritising capabilities crucial for the ANC's mission in the Indian Ocean region.

• Example: Invest in advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities considering China's growing submarine presence in the region.

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Model: 

• Explore partnerships with private companies to develop essential infrastructure and logistics networks in the Andamans, leveraging private sector expertise and resources.

• Manpower Development and Retention:

• Improved Living Conditions and Amenities:  

• Develop improved living quarters, recreational facilities, and educational opportunities for personnel stationed in the Andamans to boost morale and retention.

• Example: Offering special incentives like tax breaks or higher salaries for personnel stationed in the Andamans could incentivize longer deployments.

• Specialised Training Programs:  

• Develop specialised training programs to equip personnel with the skills necessary to operate effectively in the unique island environment and address emerging threats.

• Example: A 2022 study by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (JWS) recommended increased training opportunities for combined operations between the Army, Navy, and Air Force under the ANC.

• Strengthening Interoperability:

• Standardised Training and Procedures:  

• Implement standardised training procedures and communication protocols across the Army, Navy, and Air Force within the ANC to ensure seamless coordination and rapid response.

• Example: Conducting regular joint exercises that simulate real-world scenarios can improve interoperability between different branches.

• Advanced Command and Control Systems:  

• Invest in advanced C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems to facilitate real-time information sharing and enhance situational awareness for the ANC.

• Strategic Upgradation of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI):

• 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 endeavours.

• Balancing Development and Environment:

• Sustainable Infrastructure Development:  Adopt sustainable construction practices and incorporate environment-friendly technologies to minimise the ecological impact of military development projects.

• Example: Utilising solar power for energy needs in the Andamans can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and protect the environment.

• Collaboration with Environmental Agencies:  

• Work closely with environmental agencies like the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and develop effective conservation strategies.

• Forest and environmental clearances must be accorded with minimum red tape.

• International Collaboration: 

• India could also explore the possibility of leveraging international arrangements in the Indo-Pacific such as the Quad and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) to catalyse development efforts on the islands.

  
  

  
  

  SHORT TAKE

  • India's Look East Policy: It is a strategic initiative aimed at cultivating extensive economic and security cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia. Launched in the early 1990s, it marked a significant shift in India's foreign policy perspective. 

  • India’s Act East Policy: Announced in November , 2014 is the upgrade of the Look East Policy.

  • The Act East Policy emphasises engagement with ASEAN nations, integration into their economies, collaboration with East Asian countries, and fostering security cooperation.

  • Quad: Formally known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD), is a strategic security dialogue between four nations:

  • Australia

  • India

  • Japan

  • United States of America

  • It's not a formal military alliance, but rather a forum for these countries to discuss security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and cooperate on areas of common interest. This can include maritime security, disaster relief, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

CONCLUSION

To fully harness the strategic potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and maintain a strong Bay of Bengal presence, the ANC must be reinforced as an independent joint command. By boosting its capabilities and partnering with groups like the Quad, In

Tags:
Polity

Keywords:
ANDAMAN NICOBAR DEFENCE SECURITY