ANDAMAN & NICOBAR COMMAND: SENTINEL OF THE EAST

Before migrating into the theatre command concept, it would be worthwhile to study the shortfalls experienced by the Tri-Services Command in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and make good the deficiencies. The rejuvenated Tri-Services Command could then be graduated into a full-fledged theatre command by ploughing in additional resources, carrying out course corrections and expanding the role.

- VENUGOPAL MENON

The Andaman & Nicobar Command is the first and only tri-services command of the Indian armed forces which is based at Port Blair. It was created in 2001 to safeguard India's strategic interests in Southeast Asia and the Strait of Malacca. In addition to basing army, navy, and air force components, the command also provides logistics support to naval ships proceeding on deployment to South China Sea, East Asia, and the Pacific Ocean.

Strategic importance of ANC

The Ten-degree channel within India's EEZ is the world's busiest shipping trade route which also connects to very narrow Malacca and Singapore Straits. This route is the world's most vital strategic chokepoint in military terminology. Safety, security, and freedom of navigation in this area is vital for the global economy. All of this is part of a much larger Indian ocean region which accounts for the world's 80-90 percent trade.

The zone of influence of the ANC has deep significance in terms of global economy, geopolitics, safety and freedom of navigation, and power projection of not only India but other nations in the region. ANC influence over the gateway to fareast includes a six-degree and ten-degree channel which is connected to the Strait of Malacca. These are crossed by an average of 95000 merchant ships every year carrying 40-45 percent freight to and from China, South Korea, and Japan. The Strait of Malacca connects the Indian Ocean with South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and hence the strategic relevance of this strait is paramount to the economies of numerous countries in the region.

Trade Routes