Militarization Of Andaman And Nicobar Islands

In response to the ongoing border tensions with China, particularly the Ladakh stand-off, India is significantly enhancing its military infrastructure and presence in the strategically vital Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI). The planned build-up includes the deployment of additional warships, aircraft, missile batteries, and infantry soldiers. Runways at Naval air stations INS Kohassa in Shibpur and INS Baaz in Campbell Bay are undergoing extension to accommodate larger aircraft, facilitating more robust air operations. Some Indian strategic thinkers have also suggested the possibility of granting access to the ANI's military facilities to friendly foreign navies, hinting at potential security partnerships in the region.

The impetus behind this militarization stems from China's growing footprint in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), evidenced by submarine deployments at Colombo harbor and the development of naval bases at Gwadar (Pakistan) and Djibouti. The ANI's strategic location is paramount for India to safeguard its interests in the IOR. The Andaman and Nicobar Tri-service Command has been established to oversee these efforts. The islands' economic significance is underscored by their dominance over the Bay of Bengal, a crucial artery through which over 30% of the world's seaborne trade transits, and their contribution to 30% of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). These islands effectively serve as a buffer zone between India and other nations in the IOR and are often referred to as India's 'unsinkable aircraft carrier' to the East.

India's Strategic Imperative: Fortifying the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The strategic significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) for India is deeply rooted in geography, history, and the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India's decision to significantly enhance its military presence in the ANI, particularly in response to China's growing assertiveness in the IOR, is not merely a reactive measure but a proactive strategy to secure its maritime interests, project power, and maintain regional stability.

Historical and Geographical Context

The ANI archipelago, comprising 572 islands (only 38 inhabited), stretches from 6° to 14° North latitudes and from 92° to 94° East longitudes. Saddle Peak (732 m) in North Andaman Island marks the highest point. Barren Island, India's only active volcano, is located within the chain and last erupted in 2017. Mud volcanoes are also present in Baratang island. Historically, these islands have served as a crucial maritime outpost for India, controlling vital sea lanes connecting the East and West. Their strategic location allows India to monitor and potentially interdict maritime traffic traversing the Bay of Bengal, a critical waterway for global trade.

The islands command the approaches to the Malacca Strait, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, through which a substantial portion of global trade, including energy supplies destined for East Asia, passes. Control over this area allows India to exert considerable influence over maritime commerce and security in the region. The ANI also extend India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) significantly, granting it sovereign rights over the exploration and use of marine resources within this zone. This includes fishing rights, mineral exploration, and the potential for renewable energy development.

Historically, the strategic value of these islands has been recognized for centuries. The Chola dynasty, an ancient Tamil kingdom, demonstrated the importance of naval power in controlling maritime trade routes in the Bay of Bengal. They used their naval prowess to dominate Southeast Asian trade routes. Their control over these routes allowed them to extract tribute and project power across the region. In more recent times, during World War II, the islands were occupied by Japan, highlighting their vulnerability and strategic importance in a conflict scenario. This historical precedent underscores the need for a strong and capable military presence to safeguard India's interests in the region.

The China Factor: A Catalyst for Militarization

China's expanding presence in the IOR has emerged as a primary driver behind India's increased focus on the ANI. China's "String of Pearls" strategy, involving investments in ports and infrastructure in countries surrounding India, including Pakistan (Gwadar), Sri Lanka (Hambantota, Colombo), and Myanmar (Kyaukpyu), is viewed by India as an attempt to encircle it strategically and undermine its regional influence. The development of a Chinese naval base in Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa, further underscores China's ambition to project its naval power far beyond its immediate maritime periphery.

China's increased naval deployments in the IOR, including submarine patrols and anti-piracy operations, have raised concerns in India about the potential for China to challenge its maritime dominance in the region. The Ladakh stand-off, a series of border skirmishes between Indian and Chinese troops in the Himalayas, has further intensified these concerns and accelerated India's efforts to bolster its military capabilities in the ANI. This border dispute has led to a reassessment of India's strategic priorities and a greater emphasis on deterring Chinese aggression in both the land and maritime domains.

Military Buildup and Infrastructure Development

India's response to these challenges has involved a multi-pronged approach, focusing on enhancing military infrastructure, deploying additional forces, and exploring potential security partnerships.

• Increased Military Deployments: India is planning to base additional warships, aircraft, missile batteries, and infantry soldiers in the ANI. This includes deploying long-range maritime patrol aircraft, such as the P-8I Poseidon, to enhance surveillance capabilities and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The deployment of advanced missile systems, such as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, will provide a credible deterrent against potential adversaries.

• Runway Extensions: Runways at Naval air stations INS Kohassa in Shibpur and INS Baaz in Campbell Bay are being extended to accommodate larger aircraft. This will enable the operation of a wider range of military aircraft, including heavy transport aircraft and advanced fighter jets. The extended runways will also facilitate quicker response times in the event of a crisis.

• Infrastructure Development: The Indian government is investing heavily in infrastructure development in the ANI, including upgrading ports, roads, and communication networks. This will improve the logistics and operational capabilities of the military forces stationed there. The development of civilian infrastructure will also benefit the local population and contribute to the economic development of the islands.

• Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC): The establishment of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) in 2001 marked a significant step towards enhancing India's security posture in the region. The ANC is the first and only Tri-Service theater command of the Indian Armed Forces, integrating the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single operational commander. This unified command structure enhances coordination and efficiency in military operations.

The ANC is responsible for overseeing the security of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the surrounding maritime region. Its primary functions include maritime surveillance, anti-piracy operations, protection of India's EEZ, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The ANC also plays a crucial role in maintaining maritime domain awareness and providing early warning of potential threats.

The Role of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC)

The A&N Command is the first and only Tri-Service theater command of the Indian Armed Forces. It patrols India's EEZ to suppress gun running, narcotics smuggling, piracy, and poaching, and conducts maritime surveillance and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The ANC also plays a significant role in maintaining maritime domain awareness and providing early warning of potential threats.

Potential for Security Partnerships

Some Indian strategic commentators have suggested allowing friendly foreign navies access to the ANI's military bases. This could involve conducting joint exercises, sharing intelligence, and providing logistical support. Such partnerships would enhance India's maritime security capabilities and strengthen its relationships with key allies in the region. Countries like the United States, Japan, and Australia, which share concerns about China's growing assertiveness in the IOR, could be potential partners.

Strategic Significance of the ANI: An "Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier"

The ANI are often referred to as India's "unsinkable aircraft carrier" due to their strategic location and potential to project power across the eastern Indian Ocean. The islands provide a forward operating base for the Indian Navy and Air Force, allowing them to monitor and respond to developments in the region more effectively.

The ANI also serve as a crucial link in India's maritime security architecture, connecting its western and eastern naval fleets. This allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness in deploying naval assets to address emerging threats. The islands also provide a strategic advantage in terms of maritime domain awareness, allowing India to monitor shipping lanes and detect potential threats at an early stage.

Legal Frameworks and International Law

India's activities in the ANI are governed by international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS establishes the legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas, including the rights and responsibilities of states regarding their EEZs and the passage of ships through international waters.

India is a signatory to UNCLOS and adheres to its provisions. This includes respecting the rights of other states to freedom of navigation in international waters and refraining from interfering with legitimate maritime activities. However, India also has the right to protect its sovereign interests and security within its EEZ.

Stakeholder Perspectives

• India: India views the militarization of the ANI as essential for protecting its strategic interests, countering China's growing influence, and ensuring the security of its maritime trade routes. India is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the IOR and is working with its partners to achieve this goal.

• China: China maintains that its presence in the IOR is for economic and trade purposes and that it has no intention of threatening India's security. However, China's actions in the region, including its investments in ports and infrastructure, are viewed with suspicion by India.

• Other IOR Nations: The perspectives of other IOR nations vary depending on their relationship with India and China. Some countries, such as Australia and Japan, share India's concerns about China's growing assertiveness and are working with India to enhance maritime security cooperation. Other countries, such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka, have closer ties with China and may be more cautious about aligning themselves too closely with India.

Broader Implications

The militarization of the ANI has significant implications for regional security, diplomacy, and economics.

• Political: The increased strategic competition between India and China in the IOR could lead to heightened tensions and a greater risk of conflict. It could also lead to a realignment of alliances and partnerships in the region.

• Diplomatic: The militarization of the ANI could lead to increased cooperation between India and other maritime powers, such as the United States, Japan, and Australia. This could strengthen their collective ability to deter Chinese aggression and maintain stability in the IOR.

• Security: The enhanced Indian military capabilities in the ANI will improve India's ability to protect its maritime interests and respond to emerging threats. This will contribute to greater security and stability in the region.

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• Economic: Increased investment in infrastructure and development in the ANI could boost the local economy and create new opportunities for employment. However, it could also lead to environmental challenges and social disruptions.

Ongoing Issues and Future Outlook

The militarization of the ANI is closely linked to several ongoing issues, including the India-China border disputes, China's Belt and Road Initiative, and the Quad security dialogue. These issues are shaping the geopolitical landscape of the IOR and influencing India's strategic calculus.

Looking ahead, it is likely that the militarization of the ANI will continue, driven by the ongoing strategic competition between India and China. India will continue to invest in military infrastructure, deploy additional forces, and seek to strengthen its security partnerships with other maritime powers. The future of the IOR will depend on how India and China manage their relationship and how they navigate the complex challenges of regional security and economic development.