Crafting the Indian Ocean with Andaman & Nicobar Islands: India’s ultimate security paradigm

There has been very little endorsement of the Andaman and Nicobar islands keeping in mind the importance of imposing stringent security measures and monitoring of the Indian Ocean region during the 1970s. However, the acceleration of the process kick-started since the early 90’s though the process had begun with the initiation of India’s renowned Look East Policy (now Act East Policy). The significance of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands remained overlooked until the 1971 war between India and Pakistan where the islands contributed to India’s success. During the war, the islands played a significant role by being a forward base support for fueling, victuals and maintenance to a smaller eastern naval fleet of India. This turned out to be a massive reinforcement for rapid action against the Eastern Pakistan naval bases. Conversely, the islands had been a major support for the blockade imposed by India in the region subsequently against the Pakistani naval attempts. No doubt that a crucial national security aspect of India is attached to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the present arena where the world order is gradually evolving towards Asian dominance, notwithstanding the geopolitical rivalry between India and China.

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands constitute one of the sizeable distinct group of islands in the south eastern Bay of Bengal, covering an area of 6491 sq. kms. and 1645 sq. kms. respectively. The total number of islands is 348 including the North Andaman Islands, the Middle Andaman Islands, the Baratang Island, the South Andaman Island and Rutland Island in the former. The latter contains Car Nicobar, the Nancowry and the Great Nicobar groups. The southern-most part of the archipelago is just 90 miles north of the Indonesian coast of Sumatra. The archipelago occupies a unique position in terms of its proximity to the entrance of the Straits of Malacca, the gateway to Southeast Asia and a major international maritime trade route. The same reason can be held responsible for its vulnerability and calls for the Indian naval presence. As for example, the joint naval exercise from 4-9 September 2007 among US, Australia, Japan, India and Singapore took place in the area between Vishakhapatnam and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This signified the emphasis on Indian capabilities of controlling the region where the Andaman & Nicobar Islands played an important role.

Historically, the archipelago was under Japanese occupation during 1942 to 1945 when major infrastructural development and military settlements took place. After the Japanese, it was under British occupation that used the Islands as an exile for political dissidents. After independence, the archipelago came under Indian jurisdiction; however, Myanmar and Indonesia were proactive in asserting their claims on it too from time to time. But, the islands continued to be a part of India due to its historical association. In this context, when there is growing economic and security rivalry worldwide, notwithstanding the Chinese maritime route development, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands hold the key to controlling the region.

The development of the ports in Myanmar (KyaukPyu), Sri Lanka (Hambantota) and Pakistan (Gwadar) under Chinese investments are in troubled waters due to the fears of accumulating debts. Thus, India’s existing control in the region can be improved by developing the ecology, economy and culture of the islands to enhance rapid connectivity with the mainland, besides the investments on the expansion and modernization of military capabilities.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands have a plethora of diverse communities comprising the indigenous population, the Negrito and the Mongoloid ethnic group, descendants of Burmese migrants, the Ranchi tribal migrants, the East Bengal Refugees, migrants from southern Indian states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, the Indian ex-servicemen Sikh settlers etc. The employment of Information & Communication Technology (ICT) in the islands has somehow improved its connectivity with the mainland. Projects such as AGMARKNET, DACNET, Immigration Control System (Airport and Haddo Sea Port), PAO, Agricultural Census are worth mentioning. Such technological developments have pushed the boundaries of communication between the communities in the islands and with the mainland with speedy solutions. Consequently, it has also strengthened the territorial integrity of India.

However, one should not view these achievements as the final accomplishment.  Rather, it is the beginning of the greater sociological and economic development that India should strive for in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. On a positive note, these islands have the potential to turn in to a massive trade base like Singapore if problems such as piracy, drug trafficking and terrorist hideouts are eliminated. Further, it serves as a major connectivity point among South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region where India holds the key.

 Debasish Das

Adjunct Researcher

13.09.2018

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