The Indian government’s renewed focus on developing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) due to their strategic significance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Strategic Importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are situated 700 nautical miles southeast of India, expanding the exclusive economic zone by 300,000 sq km.
- These islands are crucially located at the Malacca Strait, a vital maritime passage handling 30% of global trade.
- They share maritime borders with Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bangladesh according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- As a primary defense frontier in the Indo-Pacific region, the islands play a vital role in security against eastern threats.
- The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), a unified tri-services military command, was set up here in 2001.
- Port Blair could become a significant center for naval cooperation focused on security.
- Its proximity to Sabang (Indonesia) and Coco Island (Myanmar) underscores the strategic value, especially with the potential construction of the Kra Canal.
Challenges in Strategic Development:
- Recent strategic shifts are driven by India’s Act East policy and increasing Chinese naval activities.
- The strategic relevance of the islands is now gaining recognition among decision-makers.
- Developing these islands faces obstacles like remoteness, stringent environmental rules, and complex property acquisition processes.
- The involvement of multiple governmental layers often leads to inefficiencies, prioritizing short-term political gains over long-term strategic goals.
Strategic Infrastructure Development in A&N Islands:
Enhancements in Maritime Security
- Bolster maritime surveillance to protect the islands from unauthorized activities and eastern geopolitical threats.
- Enhance maritime infrastructure crucial for supporting India’s economic interests, particularly around the southern islands near key shipping lanes.
Improving Connectivity
- The Submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) project is a priority to boost digital connectivity and reduce dependency on mainland resources.
- Construction plans include the Galathea Bay transshipment port, high-speed ferries, and a seaplane terminal to promote development and tourism.
Expanding Military Infrastructure
- Augment military resources at the Andaman Nicobar Command (ANC) to safeguard the islands effectively.
- Plans to develop additional airfields, ports, and fuel storage facilities to support the military infrastructure.
Policies and International Relations
- Efforts to streamline environmental clearances to expedite infrastructure projects, mirroring the concessions given to defence projects in India’s northern regions.
- Strengthen international partnerships through frameworks like the Quad and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) to enhance regional development and security.
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