Source: Why Andaman and Nicobar Islands are key to Indo-Pacific security (The Indian Express, April 12, 2024)
Source: After the 1857 War of Independence, the British established a penal colony in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where Indian freedom fighters were imprisoned for life. Neglected by New Delhi due to their remote location and dark symbolism as “kalapani”, the islands saw minimal attention until 1962.
That year, the Indian Navy’s alarm over a reported Chinese submarine sighting prompted the government to deploy 150 sailors as a naval garrison to safeguard the vast archipelago. Given this history, recent reports of increased security focus on these strategic islands are indeed important.
Historical Significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Occupation during World War II:
- Occupied by the Japanese in February 1942 after the fall of Singapore.
- Considered as a potential base for invading India.
Liberation and Symbolism:
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose visited Port Blair in 1943, hoisting the INA tricolour.
- British regained control after the Japanese surrender in 1945.
Post-Independence Dilemma:
- British Chiefs of Staff recommended retaining the islands due to their strategic location.
- Despite this, the islands were handed over to India by British PM Clement Atlee after Partition.
Indonesian Interest:
- In 1965, during India-Pakistan hostilities, the Indonesian navy chief expressed interest in the islands.
- Proposed taking over the Andaman Islands as they were seen as an extension of Sumatra.
- Despite discussions, no action was taken by Indonesia.
- The islands remained under Indian control.
Evolution of Military Presence in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Formation of Fortress Andaman & Nicobar:
- In 1976, the A&N naval garrison was upgraded to Fortress Andaman & Nicobar.
- Army troops were added to the garrison to enhance security.
Establishment of Andaman Nicobar Command (ANC):
- Post-Kargil War security review in 2001 led to the creation of India’s first joint/unified operational command, ANC.
- Located in Port Blair, ANC placed forces from all three services and the Coast Guard under a single commander-in-chief.
Success of ANC:
- Over 23 years, ANC has proven to be a success as a microcosm theatre.
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of joint operations in the Indian context.
Geopolitical Significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
- North: Just 22 miles separate the islands from Myanmarese territory.
- South: Indira Point is only 90 miles from Indonesia’s Aceh province.
- East: The coast of Thailand lies 270 miles away.
- Contrastingly, Port Blair is about 850 miles from Chennai and Kolkata.
Strategic Importance:
- Despite covering only 8,300 sq km, the islands extend India’s exclusive economic zone by 300,000 sq km.
- Potential for undersea hydrocarbon and mineral deposits.
- Of the 836 islands and islets, only 31 are inhabited, raising concerns about surreptitious occupation by a neighbouring country.
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Enhancing Maritime Security in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Three-Dimensional Maritime Domain Awareness:
- Utilize networked assets such as radars, aircraft, satellites, and unmanned vehicles.
- Maintain constant vigilance to prevent intrusions by state and non-state entities.
Investment in Defensive and Offensive Capabilities:
- Equip ANC with adequate defensive and offensive firepower.
- Establish rapid-reaction forces with amphibious and airlift capabilities for swift response.
Addressing Chinese Naval Presence:
- Chinese PLA Navy (PLAN) warships, submarines, and research vessels frequently transit through these waters.
- Anticipate sustained Chinese naval presence, including nuclear attack submarines.
- Indian Navy (IN) must maintain a substantial anti-submarine warfare capability in the A&N to counter this threat.
Related Reading | How Global Trade Faces Turmoil Due To Disruptions At Key Shipping Choke Points
Significance of Maritime Choke Points in World Trade
Impact of Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea:
- Highlighted the vulnerability of maritime choke points to disruptions and re-routing of shipping.
- Stressed the critical importance of secure routes for global trade and commerce.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Malacca Strait:
- Over 90,000 merchant ships, carrying around 30% of the world’s traded goods, pass through annually.
- Presents both challenges and opportunities for India due to its strategic location.
Monitoring Traffic Flow:
- Enable monitoring of traffic from the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean) to the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean).
- Crucial for overseeing trade and oil shipments in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Possession of the islands grants India control over the strategic Strait of Malacca.
- Key to ensuring security and stability in maritime trade routes.
Strategic Importance of Great Nicobar Island:
- Situated at the western entrance/exit of the Malacca Strait.
- Holds the potential to dominate all shipping, including merchant and naval traffic.
Chinese Concerns and Indian Strategic Considerations:
- Chinese Premier Hu Jintao warned about a future “Malacca Dilemma” as early as 2003.
- India must recognize the strategic importance of the Malacca Strait and Great Nicobar Island for its maritime security and trade interests.