While China has its Great Wall, India has the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This archipelago of over 800 islands, with only 38 inhabited, is a strategic asset located 1500 km from the Indian mainland.
- Strategic Location: The islands’ proximity to key maritime routes makes them critical for India’s security. Myanmar is just 300 km away, and Indonesia is 200 km away. This positioning allows India to monitor and control maritime traffic through the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): The Andaman and Nicobar Islands cover just 0.2% of India’s land mass but contribute to one-third of India’s EEZ. Every vessel passing through the Strait of Malacca, a key route for China’s oil imports from the Middle East, traverses this zone. This positioning gives India significant leverage over China’s maritime routes, countering China’s String of Pearls strategy.
India’s Naval and Military Presence in Andaman and Nicobar
The strategic importance of the islands has led to a significant military buildup.
- Naval Bases: India has established naval bases on these islands to monitor maritime activities and to counter potential threats from Chinese submarines and ships.
- Tri-Service Command: The islands host India’s only tri-service command, integrating the army, navy, and air force, which enhances India’s ability to respond to any threat in the Indian Ocean region.
Andaman and Nicobar’s Economic and Infrastructure Development
Despite their strategic importance, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been underdeveloped for many years.
- Internet Connectivity: Until 2020, the islands lacked broadband internet, with residents paying exorbitant prices for satellite internet. Recent years have seen a push for development, both from a security and economic perspective.
- Investment Initiatives: The Indian government is now investing Rs. 75,000 crore in various projects, including dual-use airports, military bases, and a transshipment port. These projects aim to improve connectivity, boost tourism, and enhance military capabilities.
https://www.investindia.gov.in/state/andaman-and-nicobar-islands
Rs 10,000 crore investment in pipeline for Andaman & Nicobar
India-Japan collaborations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The strategically vital Andaman and Nicobar Islands are undergoing a shift, with India looking to balance economic development with environmental protection. A recent example is Japan’s financial aid for a power supply project on the islands. This initiative, expected to be completed by February 2024, aims to replace diesel-based power generation with cleaner renewable energy sources. This will not only stabilize the power supply but also contribute to India’s clean energy goals. This project reflects a broader change in India’s approach to these islands. Previously governed with a protectionist hand, India is now recognizing their economic potential while prioritizing environmental sustainability.
India-Japan Collaboration in Andaman and Nicobar to counter China
Transshipment Port
One of the key projects is the development of a transshipment port in the Nicobar Islands.
- Reducing Dependency: This port will reduce India’s dependence on Sri Lanka’s Colombo port for transshipment. Currently, a significant portion of India’s transshipment happens at Colombo due to the lack of adequate facilities in Indian ports.
- Strategic Autonomy: The new port will enhance India’s strategic and economic autonomy by allowing larger ships to dock and transfer goods. This reduces the reliance on foreign ports and mitigates the impact of potential geopolitical conflicts.
Historical Significance
The islands have a long history of strategic importance.
- Chola Dynasty: Historically, the Chola dynasty used these islands as naval bases to expand their influence in Southeast Asia. Today, these islands help India connect to Southeast Asia, continuing their legacy of strategic significance.
India’s BrahMos Missile
The BrahMos missile, developed indigenously, is a key component of India’s defense strategy.
- Versatility: It can be launched from land, sea, or air, with an extended range of 450 km. Positioned in the Nicobar Islands, it can target any aggressive vessel entering the Strait of Malacca.
- Deterrence: The deployment of BrahMos missiles enhances India’s deterrence capability, making it difficult for any adversary to challenge India’s maritime dominance.
The Agni Missile
The Agni 5 missile, with an increased range of 7,000 km, further strengthens India’s strategic arsenal.
- Extended Range: The extended range allows India to target adversaries at greater distances, providing a significant boost to its strategic deterrence.
- No First Use Policy: India adheres to a No First Use policy, but the deployment of these missiles serves as a powerful deterrent against potential aggressors.
India’s Military Infrastructure
The development of military infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is critical for maintaining regional security.
- Tri-Service Command: The islands host India’s only tri-service command, integrating the army, navy, and air force. This enhances India’s ability to respond to any threat in the Indian Ocean region.
- Security Drills: Regular military drills and exercises in these islands ensure that India’s armed forces remain prepared to counter any potential threat from China or other adversaries.
China’s navy is technologically superior, even more advanced than that of the US. However, India’s geographical advantage, thanks to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, remains a critical asset.
- Strategic Positioning: Despite the advanced capabilities of the Chinese navy, the strategic positioning of these islands provides India with a significant edge.
- Development Initiatives: By understanding and developing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India strengthens its defense and economic positioning. These islands are not just a part of India’s map but a crucial element of its national security.
