Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Andaman and Nicobar Command

The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is India's sole operational tri-service theatre command, integrating elements of the , , and under unified leadership to execute joint military operations. Established on 8 October 2001 and headquartered at in the , it serves as a model for inter-service coordination amid India's broader military reforms toward theatre commands. The command's primary mandate encompasses , surveillance of critical sea lanes, rapid deployment for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and deterrence against threats in the . Straddling key maritime chokepoints, including the approaches to the Malacca Strait through which substantial portions of global trade and energy supplies transit, the ANC enhances India's strategic projection into the , enabling monitoring and response to transnational threats such as , , and potential adversarial naval movements. Its formation addressed gaps in operational identified in the islands' vicinity, fostering joint exercises like Ex KAVACH to bolster tri-service interoperability and regional stability. Despite initial challenges in and service integration, the ANC has evolved into a pivotal asset for securing India's eastern maritime flank without notable operational controversies.

Historical Development

Inception and Early Formation

The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) emerged from post- War defense reforms initiated after the 1999 conflict exposed critical gaps in inter-service coordination and intelligence sharing. The Review Committee, headed by and established on July 29, 1999, recommended structural changes including the formation of integrated theatre commands to streamline operations across geographically dispersed assets, with the identified as a prime candidate due to their isolation from mainland commands. These findings were endorsed by the Group of Ministers on , leading to executive decisions prioritizing jointness over siloed service-specific oversight. Operationalized on October 8, 2001, ANC became India's first tri-service unified command, headquartered at in the , encompassing over 500 islands spanning 8,249 square kilometers and controlling a vast of 600,000 square kilometers. It integrated operational control of detachments (drawn from Eastern Command), naval assets (from , including INS Jarawa established in 1964), stations (from Eastern Air Command), and Coast Guard units, under a single (CINCAN) with authority to direct joint maneuvers without reference to parent service . Vice Admiral Arun Prakash, AVSM, VrC, VSM, served as the inaugural CINCAN, overseeing the transition from fragmented deployments to cohesive theater-level responsiveness. In its early phase through 2005, ANC prioritized infrastructure consolidation and capability buildup to address the archipelago's logistical challenges, including limited connectivity and vulnerability to smuggling, , and potential incursions via the Malacca Strait— a chokepoint handling 80,000 commercial vessels annually. Initial efforts focused on enhancing through networks and assets, conducting rudimentary exercises to foster , and establishing protocols for rapid deployment amid rising transnational threats post-Cold War. The command's structure emphasized naval primacy given the domain's nature, with the CINCAN rotating among services but predominantly naval officers to align with operational realities. By late 2004, ANC demonstrated nascent efficacy in humanitarian assistance during the , coordinating relief across affected islands and underscoring the value of integrated logistics in disaster-prone Zone V seismic areas. These steps laid groundwork for over key sea lanes, though teething issues in and inter-service cultural alignment persisted, reflecting broader Indian military inertia toward jointness.

Post-Kargil War Expansion

The 1999 exposed deficiencies in inter-service coordination and strategic maritime awareness, prompting the Kargil Review Committee to recommend structural reforms, including the establishment of integrated theater commands for enhanced joint operations. The subsequent Group of Ministers report endorsed this, leading to the creation of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) on 8 October 2001 as India's first tri-service unified command, integrating Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard elements under a single operational authority headquartered at . This post-Kargil expansion focused on bolstering rapid deployment capabilities to secure vital sea lanes, including approaches to the , amid rising concerns over transnational threats and regional power projection. The command's initial structure allocated approximately one infantry brigade from the , a naval with patrol vessels and frigates, limited Air Force fighter and transport squadrons at bases like and Car Nicobar, and Coast Guard assets for maritime , marking a shift from siloed service operations to joint oversight. Key early enhancements included the activation of forward operating air bases, such as in North Andaman established in 2001 for missions, and upgrades to and communication infrastructure to extend India's sensor net across the eastern . Despite these steps, ANC's force levels remained constrained, with static allocations since inception—roughly 20,000-25,000 personnel across services—hampering full-spectrum operations and underscoring persistent resource allocation challenges within India's defense priorities.

Evolution Through the 2010s

The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) in the 2010s emphasized enhanced tri-service interoperability through regular joint exercises, building on its foundational role as India's pioneering . In February 2010, ANC hosted the multinational naval exercise , involving ships and personnel from 10 nations, focusing on professional interactions, maritime security discussions, and operational maneuvers in the to foster regional cooperation. That April, it participated in the 17th Indo-Singapore bilateral exercise SIMBEX, conducted in phases across the and , incorporating , air defense, and gunnery drills to strengthen bilateral defense ties. These events underscored ANC's growing capacity for multinational coordination amid rising maritime threats in the . Domestic tri-service training intensified to validate defense plans for the island territories. In October 2010, ANC executed its first unified exercise involving Army, Navy, and Air Force units, simulating coordinated operations to improve joint readiness in remote island settings. By 2017, this evolved into the inaugural Defence of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Exercise (DANX-17), a five-day tri-service drill from November 20-24, rehearsing mobilization, amphibious assaults, and island recapture scenarios under realistic conditions to test operational contingencies. The second edition, DANX-19, held October 14-18, 2019, expanded to include Coast Guard elements, special forces insertions, and network-centric warfare validations, demonstrating matured integration for territorial defense. Infrastructure enhancements supported operational expansion, with bilateral discussions advancing surveillance capabilities. In 2016, India and Japan explored joint upgrades to ANC facilities, including proposals for sound surveillance systems to monitor underwater threats in the strategic approaches. These efforts aligned with broader theaterisation goals, positioning ANC as a model for unified commands while addressing logistical challenges in the , such as limited connectivity and asset deployment. By decade's end, the command had solidified its role in , anti-poaching patrols, and coastal security operations like 'Tat Suraksha,' contributing to 's proactive posture in the Region.

Strategic and Geopolitical Importance

Control of Maritime Chokepoints

The , overseen by the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), occupy a pivotal position astride the approaches to the , approximately 1,078 kilometers northwest of this chokepoint, enabling effective monitoring and potential denial of access to a passage handling over 80,000 vessels annually and critical for East Asian energy imports. The command's tri-service structure deploys naval patrols, air surveillance via assets like Su-30MKI fighters from bases such as , and ground-based radar to maintain over these routes, where disruptions could impact 60% of China's trade volume. The archipelago's 572 islands form a natural elongated barrier exceeding 1,300 kilometers in length, funneling traffic through constricted channels—including the Ten Degree Channel separating the Andaman and Nicobar groups, and the narrower Six Degree Channel within the Nicobars—thus amplifying ANC's capacity for and compared to open-ocean operations. This allows the command to enforce blockades or counter threats in confined waters, where adversary vessels face heightened to integrated air-naval strikes. ANC's oversight extends to adjacent alternative chokepoints, such as the between and , and the east of , which serve as potential bypasses for Malacca traffic during congestion or conflict; the ' southern extent positions forward bases like Campbell Bay within striking distance for reconnaissance and rapid response. These straits collectively channel over 25% of global maritime trade, underscoring ANC's role in deterring disruptions from non-state actors or state adversaries seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in India's eastern maritime flank. Through routine exercises like MILAN and bilateral drills with partners, ANC hones interoperability for chokepoint defense, integrating intelligence from P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to track submarine and surface threats, thereby securing sea lines of communication vital for India's 90% seaborne trade dependency.

Role in Countering Regional Threats

The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) serves as a forward deterrent against China's expanding maritime activities in the and , leveraging its position to monitor and interdict threats to critical . Positioned adjacent to chokepoints such as the Six Degree and Ten Degree Channels, ANC conducts patrols and surveillance to safeguard routes traversed by over 94,000 merchant vessels annually, carrying 40% of global trade valued at approximately $3 trillion. This capability directly counters Chinese submarines, ships, and research vessels that have violated India's (EEZ) around the islands, enhancing through integrated underwater and surface monitoring. A proximate threat emanates from Myanmar's militarization of the , located about 50 km northwest of North Andaman, where from January 2023 revealed extended , radar installations, hangars, and a , raising alarms over potential access for intelligence gathering and of Indian naval movements. In response, ANC is undergoing upgrades including runway extensions at for P-8I and fighter jets, new operational turn-around bases at Campbell Bay, , and Kamorta, and enhanced infrastructure to bolster rapid response and denial capabilities against such encroachments. ANC also addresses asymmetric threats, including and , through joint tri-service exercises that simulate defense scenarios. On February 16, 2022, a security drill at airfield involving Quick Reaction Teams from the , , and CISF, alongside NSG, Ghatak Platoons, and , practiced responses to terrorist attacks, hostage crises, and aircraft hijackings, validating synchronized procedures under day and night conditions. These operations extend to patrols that deter smuggling, illegal fishing, and piracy in the and approaches to the Malacca Strait, contributing to regional stability amid declining but persistent incidents.

Integration with Indo-Pacific Alliances

The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) plays a pivotal role in India's maritime engagements with partners through its hosting and coordination of the biennial Multilateral Naval Exercise , initiated in 1995 under ANC's aegis with participation from four countries focused on fostering in search-and-rescue operations and maritime cooperation. By 2024, had expanded to include over 50 foreign navies, including key members such as the , , and , alongside nations like and the , emphasizing advanced exercises in air defense, , and anti-surface operations during its sea phase from February 24 to 27. This platform enables ANC to integrate tri-service assets with allied forces, enhancing joint domain awareness and operational synergy in the , a critical theater for security. ANC's contributions extend to supporting India's Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) doctrine, which aligns with objectives for a by leveraging the command's proximity to chokepoints like the Malacca Strait for collaborative surveillance and humanitarian assistance drills. For instance, during MILAN 2022, held from February 25 to March 4, participating navies from the US, , and conducted coordinated maneuvers with Indian assets under ANC oversight, promoting information-sharing protocols and countering non-traditional threats like without formal alliance bindings. Such engagements, while not entailing mutual defense pacts, build practical military-to-military ties that deter coercive maritime activities, as evidenced by the inclusion of anti-submarine tactics mirroring real-world contingencies in the region. Beyond , ANC facilitates bilateral and trilateral interactions with partners through port visits and joint patrols originating from , such as US Navy ship calls in the that align with freedom-of-navigation principles. These activities, coordinated via ANC's naval components, underscore India's non-aligned yet cooperative stance, prioritizing empirical enhancements in over ideological alignments, with exercises yielding measurable improvements in response times for joint operations as reported in post-event assessments.

Organizational Framework

Command Leadership

The Andaman and Nicobar Command is headed by the , a three-star officer appointed in rotation from the , , or to foster integrated tri-service leadership and operational cohesion. This structure, unique to India's only tri-service , ensures balanced oversight of joint assets across the archipelago, with the CINCAN exercising authority over defense, surveillance, and expeditionary operations in the strategic eastern seaboard and beyond. The CINCAN directs a that includes a and dedicated component commanders for each service: the Flag Officer Commanding, Andaman and Nicobar (for naval forces), the General Officer Commanding, (for army troops), and the , Andaman and Nicobar (for air assets). These roles coordinate specialized functions, such as and amphibious readiness, while reporting directly to the CINCAN for unified command decisions. As of October 2025, Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, AVSM, NM, serves as the 19th CINCAN, assuming charge on 1 October 2025 after prior service as Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command. His immediate predecessor, Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana, AVSM, SM, VSM, held the position as the 18th CINCAN from 1 June 2025, emphasizing the rotational principle across services. Recent transitions, such as the appointment of a new Naval Component in September 2025, underscore ongoing efforts to align with evolving priorities in the region.

Tri-Service Integration

The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) operationalizes tri-service integration as India's inaugural joint theater command, established on 8 October 2001 to unify the , Navy, and Air Force under a single operational authority for enhanced and island defense. This structure departs from traditional single-service commands by vesting the , Andaman and Nicobar (CINCAN)—a three-star rotating among services—with direct control over all assets, bypassing individual service headquarters for mission-specific decisions. The integration prioritizes joint operational planning, , and execution to address the archipelago's dispersed geography and vulnerability to asymmetric threats. At the core of this integration is the CINCAN's authority, exercised through component commanders from each service who coordinate under a unified at , fostering synchronized intelligence sharing and logistics support. elements, including battalions and units, provide ground security and rapid reaction capabilities; naval forces contribute surface vessels, submarines, and patrol craft for ; while air force squadrons deliver surveillance via aircraft and helicopters, enabling domain awareness across the . Rotational leadership—such as Dinesh Singh Rana's assumption on 1 June 2025—ensures cross-pollination of service doctrines, with the CINCAN reporting to the Staff for strategic oversight. This model has demonstrated efficacy in joint exercises and , serving as a for national theaterisation by demonstrating reduced response times and optimized asset utilization without compromising service-specific expertise. Challenges, including initial resistance to ceding control and logistical hurdles in remote islands, were addressed through incremental trust-building and policy reforms, yielding a cohesive force multiplier for contingencies. Inductions like the Advanced Light Helicopter MK III in January 2022 exemplify tri-service collaboration in capability enhancement.

Key Installations and Bases

The Andaman and Nicobar Command operates from a network of integrated tri-service installations across the archipelago, with on serving as the central hub for command, control, and logistics. This setup enables surveillance and rapid response across critical maritime routes, including the and Six Degree Channel. Key facilities include naval air stations, forward bases, and support infrastructure, many of which have undergone modernization to enhance runway lengths, jetty capacities, and operational resilience as part of broader infrastructure upgrades initiated in the 2020s. INS Utkrosh, located at , is the command's primary , commissioned on 11 May 1985, and equipped with a 3,200-meter shared with . It supports fixed-wing and rotary-wing operations for the , Air Force, Coast Guard, and civil aviation, including recent enhancements for aircraft recovery and night operations. INS Baaz, situated at Campbell Bay on , functions as the southernmost air station of the , commissioned on 31 July 2012. It provides surveillance over the and approaches to the Malacca Strait, with infrastructure upgrades focusing on runway extension to support larger aircraft deployments. Additional naval facilities include INS Kohassa, a at on established as the command's fourth air base to monitor key sea lanes; at , handling logistics, administration, and training; and INS Kardip at Kamorta Island in the Nicobar group, serving as an advanced forward base for amphibious and logistical support. Air Force assets are anchored at Car Nicobar Station, which facilitates fighter deployments and missions, while components operate from integrated forward positions without standalone brigade-level bases, emphasizing tri-service outposts for ground defense and rapid mobilization. These installations collectively underpin the command's role in area denial and , with ongoing projects under initiatives like incorporating five key enhancements for runways, jetties, and connectivity as of 2025.

Military Capabilities and Assets

Naval Components

The naval component of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is led by the Naval Component (NCC), a commodore-rank officer responsible for coordinating maritime operations, including surveillance, , and force projection across the command's . This component draws assets primarily from the Indian Navy's but maintains dedicated basing and rotational deployments tailored to the archipelago's strategic needs, emphasizing rapid response to threats in the and approaches to key chokepoints like the Malacca Strait. Key naval establishments include in (Sri Vijaya Puram), which functions as the primary administrative, training, and logistical hub for surface and support units. INS Kardip on Kamorta Island serves as a , upgraded with deep-sea jetties to accommodate warships for sustained operations in the . Naval air stations under ANC include INS Utkrosh at for operations, at Campbell Bay on Great Nicobar for extended coverage, and INS Kohassa near in North Andaman for northern sector . Surface assets feature offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) such as INS Saryu, the Indian Navy's largest class of OPV, homeported at and equipped for extended endurance patrols, anti-piracy missions, and enforcement with capabilities including a 76mm gun, surface-to-air missiles, and operations. Amphibious units include (LCU) vessels like IN LCU L-56, commissioned in 2019 specifically for ANC to support troop transport, , and beaching operations across island chains. These assets operate in conjunction with rotational deployments of corvettes, frigates, and submarines for high-intensity scenarios, though permanent basing prioritizes agile, multi-role platforms suited to littoral environments.

Air Force Components

The component of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) provides aerial support for maritime reconnaissance, logistics, and humanitarian assistance, operating under the unified tri-service structure headquartered at . This component falls administratively under the Eastern Air Command but operationally reports to the , ANC, with a dedicated headquarters at Air Force Station (AFS) . Its primary focus remains on sustaining operations in the remote island chain, given the command's strategic oversight of sea lanes in the and eastern . Key assets include one squadron of Mi-17V5 helicopters for search-and-rescue, troop transport, and anti-submarine roles, alongside two Dornier Do-228 maritime reconnaissance aircraft for surveillance patrols. No. 122 Helicopter Flight, equipped with Mi-17 variants, is based at Car Nicobar AFS, supporting connectivity across the and rapid response capabilities. Transport operations rely on An-32 aircraft for inter-island logistics and relief missions, as demonstrated during disaster responses like the 2004 tsunami. These rotary and fixed-wing elements enable persistent monitoring of exclusive economic zones but lack integrated fighter presence, limiting offensive air . The 37 Wing, raised on September 15, 1993, initially at Car Nicobar and relocated to by 2000, coordinates these units and forward base support. As of 2024, infrastructure upgrades at AFS aim to sustain temporary deployments, including runway extensions and hardened shelters, to bolster deterrence amid regional tensions. Current air defense relies on limited radar coverage and integration, with planned inductions of advanced platforms to address gaps in domain awareness.

Army Components

The Army component of the Andaman and Nicobar Command is primarily structured around the 108 Mountain Brigade, headquartered at Birchgunj near , which serves as the primary ground force element for island defense and amphibious operations. This brigade, commanded by a , integrates with naval and air assets to provide rapid response capabilities in the archipelago's dispersed terrain. The brigade comprises three infantry battalions, including the 21st Battalion of the , focused on securing key installations, conducting patrols, and supporting joint tri-service exercises such as amphibious assaults. These units are tailored for operations in tropical island environments, emphasizing mobility, surveillance, and coordination with maritime forces to counter potential incursions through chokepoints like the Malacca Strait. Armored support within the brigade includes infantry combat vehicles such as series, enabling mechanized assaults and beachhead establishment during joint maneuvers. and engineering elements augment the for and infrastructure fortification, though specific inventories remain classified; the focus is on , deployable assets suitable for air and sea lift to remote outposts. The brigade's role extends to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, leveraging its dispersed footprint across the for rapid ground intervention.

Modernization Initiatives

The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) has pursued infrastructure enhancements to bolster its operational readiness in the , including upgrades to airfields and jetties capable of supporting larger deployments of warships and advanced aircraft. These developments, initiated amid heightened regional tensions, aim to expand force projection and sustainment capabilities across the archipelago's dispersed bases. A notable advancement occurred in early 2024 with the installation of precision approach systems at key installations, enabling recovery during low-visibility conditions previously limiting operations. This upgrade, coordinated with the and , extends to facilities like in , facilitating night landings and all-weather access for combat and logistics aircraft under ANC jurisdiction. Central to these efforts is the , approved in 2020 and advancing as of 2025, which incorporates military-grade infrastructure such as expanded airfields and waterfront facilities to integrate with ANC's tri-service framework. Valued at approximately ₹72,000 , the initiative enhances surveillance over critical sea lanes and rapid deployment options, positioning the southernmost island as a forward hub for monitoring Malacca Strait traffic without compromising ecological safeguards mandated in environmental clearances.

Operations and Missions

Surveillance and Anti-Piracy Efforts

The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) maintains continuous maritime surveillance over the , , and critical chokepoints such as the approaches to the Malacca Strait, safeguarding India's (EEZ) and (SLOCs). This role involves deploying surface vessels, aircraft, and radar systems to monitor shipping routes and detect unauthorized activities, including potential threats from extra-regional forces. In February 2024, ANC upgraded its aircraft recovery capabilities at key air stations to enable fixed-wing operations in low-visibility conditions, enhancing aerial surveillance effectiveness across the archipelago. A notable demonstration of ANC's surveillance operations occurred on March 8, 2024, when it conducted its first all-women surveillance mission, crewed entirely by female personnel from INS Utkrosh, commemorating and the 40th anniversary of INAS 318 squadron. Offshore patrol vessels like INS Saryu, based in , routinely undertake extended patrols for domain awareness, integrating with tri-service assets to provide real-time intelligence on traffic and anomalies. In efforts, ANC contributes to unilateral and multilateral operations to secure vital waterways, including coordinated patrols with regional navies to deter and armed robbery. The command's strategic location, approximately 600 kilometers from the Malacca Strait, positions it to support initiatives in this high-risk corridor; has sought formal inclusion in the Malacca Straits Patrol () framework, leveraging ANC's proximity and capabilities. Since 2006, Indian naval and assets under ANC influence have participated in multinational patrols in the strait, responding to invitations from amid rising incidents. Bilateral engagements, such as the 38th India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) in the starting June 13, 2022—the first post-pandemic iteration—focus on anti-, search-and-rescue, and maritime cooperation, involving Indian vessels from ANC and Indonesian warships to enhance interoperability and threat mitigation. These efforts align with broader operations in the Region, where ANC assets enforce maritime laws, conduct boarding operations, and contribute to against non-state threats like , which persist despite regional improvements.

Joint Exercises and Drills

The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) regularly conducts tri-service joint exercises to refine multi-domain operational coordination among the , , , and , emphasizing , standard operating procedures, and rapid response in island and maritime environments. A prominent example is Exercise KAVACH, a large-scale joint military drill held from February 23 to April 7, 2023, which integrated assets across services for simulated joint warfare scenarios, including amphibious operations and air-ground coordination off the . The exercise focused on validating tri-service command structures unique to ANC, enhancing synergy in defensive and offensive maneuvers, and testing logistics in archipelagic terrain. ANC also hosts multinational naval exercises to foster cooperation with foreign partners, particularly in the region. The biennial exercise, initiated by the in 1995 under ANC's aegis, brings together navies from multiple nations for harbor and sea phases involving tactical maneuvers, , and maritime security drills. The first ten editions were conducted at , with participation growing from four countries initially to over 50 foreign navies by MILAN-2024, which operated under the overall command of ANC's and emphasized secure . These drills promote information-sharing and operational compatibility without formal alliances, aligning with India's strategic outreach in the . Additional joint drills, such as the 2017 Defence of Andaman exercise, have simulated defense scenarios over five days, integrating ANC's tri-service elements to potential incursions and test deployment from mainland assets. These activities underscore ANC's role in operational readiness, with periodic inclusions of elements like for amphibious assaults and combat free-fall insertions during tri-service maneuvers off Rutland Island.

Humanitarian and Search Operations

The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) conducts humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations primarily in response to affecting the islands and neighboring regions, utilizing its tri-service assets for rapid deployment of medical teams, relief supplies, and evacuation efforts. Its orientation facilitates coordination with the and Navy for delivering aid via ships and aircraft, as demonstrated in regional crises. (SAR) missions focus on distressed vessels and personnel in the , often involving joint exercises to enhance interoperability. During the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which devastated the with waves up to 30 meters high and caused thousands of casualties locally, ANC forces contributed to immediate rescue, debris clearance, and survivor rehabilitation efforts, drawing on their forward bases for swift local response. In cyclone preparedness, such as for in May 2021, ANC positioned seven flood relief teams and two diving teams across the islands to mitigate flooding and provide emergency assistance if required. More recently, in Operation Brahma launched on March 30, 2025, following a major earthquake in , ANC dispatched INS Karmuk and LCU 52 from carrying 52 tons of relief materials, including clothing, food, and medical supplies, to for HADR support encompassing and medical aid. ANC has coordinated multiple SAR operations for maritime distress cases, such as on July 11, 2025, when it tasked ICG Ship Rajveer to rescue two foreign nationals from a sinking approximately 150 nautical miles southeast of . Similarly, on October 13, 2025, ANC directed a SAR mission rescuing crew from a distressed off the Andaman coast using ICG assets. To maintain readiness, ANC conducts periodic drills, including the joint SAR exercise VIMAAN simulating aircraft crash survivor recovery and evacuation, and HADR exercise JalVinash on October 14 focusing on protocols. These operations underscore ANC's role in regional stability through non-combatant assistance, though challenges like remote logistics persist.

Recent Developments and Challenges

Infrastructure and Expansion Projects

The Andaman and Nicobar Command has pursued several infrastructure upgrades to enhance operational capacity and strategic projection in the Indian Ocean. In 2023, authorities installed a modern and dispersal system at INS Utkrosh in , enabling improved maintenance and rapid deployment of amid regional security demands. Key expansion initiatives, announced in 2024, encompass revamped airfields and jetties, expanded logistics and storage facilities, upgraded troop habitats, and bolstered surveillance infrastructure across the archipelago. These modifications support increased force deployments, accommodating larger warships and while addressing prior limitations in sustainment capabilities. Developments at , including base expansions, form part of broader enhancements to the command's tri-service assets, integrating with civilian-led projects like the initiative. Valued at approximately 720 billion rupees (about $9 billion), this project allocates 166 square kilometers for a port, , power facilities, and , with military components strengthening rapid-response and monitoring functions near key chokepoints.

Responses to Geopolitical Tensions

The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) has served as a forward-operating hub for India's maritime countermeasures against China's assertive expansion in the Indian Ocean, particularly efforts to secure chokepoints such as the Malacca Strait, through which over 80% of China's imported oil transits. In response to territorial incursions by Chinese research vessels into Indian waters near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, ANC has intensified surveillance patrols using integrated naval, air, and army assets to assert sovereignty and deter unauthorized activities. Following the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash along the , ANC elevated its operational posture by deploying naval fleets into positions capable of interdicting Chinese , thereby applying asymmetric pressure in the maritime domain to offset Himalayan border vulnerabilities. This included forward positioning of surface combatants and submarines to monitor and shadow (PLAN) movements, contributing to broader efforts that tracked Chinese deployments across the Region during the standoff. Amid concerns over Chinese-backed militarization of Myanmar's , approximately 30 nautical miles north of India's , ANC has pursued infrastructure enhancements, including advanced berthing and sensor networks, to establish a robust capability against potential PLAN transits and logistics support operations. As of October 2025, these developments position ANC to interdict adversarial shipping and s transiting alternative routes like the Sunda and Lombok Straits, exploiting China's dependence on vulnerable energy supply chains. ANC's responses extend to collaborative frameworks under the (QUAD), where joint maritime exercises involving U.S., Japanese, and Australian forces have rehearsed scenarios for securing sea lanes against coercive actions, enhancing interoperability to counterbalance China's regional influence without direct confrontation. These measures reflect a causal emphasis on geographic leverage, with ANC's proximity to straits enabling rapid response times measured in hours, compared to days for mainland-based Chinese assets.

Criticisms and Operational Hurdles

The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) has faced persistent operational hurdles stemming from its remote geographical position, which complicates and sustainment. The islands' isolation from the mainland—over 1,000 kilometers away—exacerbates vulnerabilities, including delays in , , and spare parts delivery, often reliant on vulnerable sea routes susceptible to disruptions and potential adversarial . Infrastructure deficits, such as underdeveloped airfields, jetties, and storage facilities, limit rapid deployment capabilities; for instance, runway extensions and port upgrades remain incomplete despite strategic imperatives near chokepoints like the Malacca Strait. Inter-service integration poses another challenge, as ANC's tri-service structure encounters differing priorities and doctrines among the , , and , resulting in suboptimal asset allocation and resource sharing. Established in 2001 as India's first integrated theater command, ANC has been critiqued for lacking sufficient "teeth" due to these doctrinal mismatches, which hinder unified and execution compared to single-service commands. Reviews by defense officials, including those in 2023, have highlighted the need for enhanced joint training and to address these gaps, yet progress toward broader theaterisation reforms remains slow amid bureaucratic resistance. Resource constraints further impede effectiveness, with analysts noting inadequate allocation of advanced surveillance assets, submarines, and fighter squadrons relative to the command's expansive spanning 1.3 million square kilometers. Specific deficiencies, such as at ports like in Car Nicobar lacking basic freshwater and power facilities, underscore sustainment issues that affect naval and operations. These hurdles have been compounded by historical delays in implementing recommendations from inquiries like the 1999 Kargil Review Committee, which urged stronger tri-service structures but saw uneven follow-through.

References

  1. [1]
    Andaman and Nicobar Command - GlobalSecurity.org
    Sep 13, 2021 · ... establishment of an integrated command on May 11, 2001. Thus was raised Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) at Port Blair. On October 8, 2001 ...
  2. [2]
    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1762152
  3. [3]
    The Andaman and Nicobar Islands: India's Eastern Anchor in a ...
    Mar 21, 2018 · The command was established against the backdrop of increasing transnational crime around the islands and a better understanding of their ...
  4. [4]
    [PDF] Joint Military Exercise 'Ex KAVACH' concludes at Andaman and ...
    Apr 8, 2023 · Impressive demonstrations of rapid response capabilities during the exercise were witnessed by Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command Lt ...
  5. [5]
    Expediting Integrated Theatre Commands: A call to action
    Apr 23, 2024 · The Kargil Review Committee (KRC) headed by Dr K Subramanyam ... Andaman and Nicobar Command and the nuclear responsible Strategic Forces Command.
  6. [6]
    Maninder asked: Has the joint command at the ANC been a success ...
    Based on the Kargil Review Committee and on recommendations of the Group of Ministers, the joint command came into existence on October 8, 2001, with elements ...
  7. [7]
    [PDF] Annual Report - Ministry of Defence
    May 4, 2003 · 2.19 Andaman and Nicobar Command : The tri-Service Command for Andaman and. Nicobar (A&N) was established in October. 2001 and has been ...
  8. [8]
    India sets up major command in Andaman and Nicobar Islands to ...
    Aug 13, 2001 · India sets up a major command in Andaman and Nicobar Islands in an effort to monitor strategic trade routes, protect its waters and thwart pirates and gun- ...
  9. [9]
    Kargil Revisited: 25 Years of Kargil Conflict - MP-IDSA
    Jul 26, 2024 · The report led to the creation of a Strategic Forces Command, Joint Andaman and Nicobar Command and the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.Missing: growth | Show results with:growth
  10. [10]
    The Andaman & Nicobar Command celebrated its 11th raising day ...
    Oct 9, 2011 · The Andaman & Nicobar Command celebrated its 11th raising day on Saturday. It was in the aftermath of the 1999 Kargil conflict, and on the ...
  11. [11]
    militarising andamans: the costs and the benefits
    After the Kargil War of 1999, Andaman and Nicobar Islands received more attention. In 2001, Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) were created. It is the first ...
  12. [12]
    Headquarters Andaman Nicobar Command ANC to enhance ... - PIB
    Jan 18, 2019 · NAS Shibpur was established in 2001 as a Forward Operating Air Base (FOAB) for surveillance in North Andaman.
  13. [13]
    Strategic Andaman&Nicobar military command floundering with low ...
    Jul 24, 2009 · Consequently, ANC force-levels have remained largely static since it came into existence in October 2001 as a result of the high-powered Group ...
  14. [14]
    Indian Navy Concludes Milan 2010 - Naval Technology
    Feb 8, 2010 · An Indian Navy-hosted multinational naval exercise at Port Blair off the coast of Andaman and Nicobar islands has been successfully concluded ...
  15. [15]
    Indo-Singapore Bilateral Naval Exercise Simbex 2010 - PIB
    Apr 2, 2010 · This year's exercise will be the 17th in the SIMBEX series. The exercise will be undertaken in two separate theatres. Initially in the Andaman ...
  16. [16]
    Joint training exercise for Indian Armed Forces in Andaman and ...
    Joint training exercise for Indian Armed Forces in Andaman and Nicobar · By Nitsi · Published: Saturday, October 2, 2010, 7:34 [IST].
  17. [17]
    Armed forces practice 'recapture' of Andaman - The Tribune
    Nov 25, 2017 · The Defence of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Exercise (DANX) was conducted from November 20 to 24 under the aegis of Andaman & Nicobar Command.<|separator|>
  18. [18]
    Defence of Andaman and Nicobar Islands exercise 2019 (Danx-19 ...
    Oct 18, 2019 · Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) has conducted the second edition of Defence of Andaman & Nicobar Islands 2019 (DANX-19), a large scale ...
  19. [19]
    Neglected Maritime Terrain in the Bay of Bengal
    Whoever holds the ANI can effectively control access to the Strait of Malacca and gain a significant advantage in any future maritime conflict. To that end, the ...
  20. [20]
    India's Most Tangible Strategic Trump Card: Malacca
    Aug 18, 2025 · The Andaman and Nicobar Islands sit almost at the “mouth” of the strait, giving India a unique ability to monitor, and if necessary, control ...
  21. [21]
    Growing importance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
    Jul 9, 2017 · Located as it is, the island chain acts as a physical barrier that secures busy Sea Lines of Communications by creating a series of chokepoints: ...<|separator|>
  22. [22]
    Strategic significance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
    Apr 26, 2024 · Strategic chokepoints- The islands are positioned near several strategic chokepoints, including the Malacca, Sunda, Lombok, and Ombai-Wetar ...
  23. [23]
    Alternative Shipping Routes in Asia-Pacific Trade - Dryad Global
    Aug 13, 2024 · The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, positioned at the eastern entry to the Malacca Strait, provide India with a strategic vantage point, bolstering ...
  24. [24]
    Andaman and Nicobar can lift India's maritime capacity
    Jan 14, 2023 · The strategic location of these islands demands New Delhi's full attention as it can open new vistas for India's maritime strategy.
  25. [25]
    The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and India's Maritime Renaissance.
    Apr 28, 2025 · The ANC was to bring together Army, Navy, and Air Force units, exercising power and keeping a watch on sea activity in the eastern Indian Ocean.
  26. [26]
    Andaman and Nicobar Islands a maritime sentinel in the Indian ...
    Apr 16, 2024 · The A&N Islands share four of India's international maritime zone delimitations with countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bangladesh ...
  27. [27]
    Strategic Importance of Andaman and Nicobar Command
    Dec 30, 2021 · Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is an important marker of India's strategic presence in the Eastern Indian Ocean.<|separator|>
  28. [28]
    Andaman & Nicobar Command undergoing major upgrade. A ...
    Aug 12, 2024 · Established in 2001, the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is India's first and so far only tri-service theatre command. It holds responsibility ...
  29. [29]
    Joint Security Exercise at Port Blair Airfield - PIB
    Feb 17, 2022 · The aim of the drill was to test the preparedness of all security agencies during various contingencies like terrorist attack, hostage crisis ...
  30. [30]
    Sea Power & Exercise MILAN 2024 - SP's Naval Forces
    Dec 27, 2023 · MILAN is a biennial multilateral naval exercise incepted by Indian Navy in 1995 at Andaman and Nicobar Command with participation of four countries.
  31. [31]
    India Begins Multinational Naval Exercise Milan, Deploys Two Carriers
    Feb 20, 2024 · The Indian Navy deployed two carrier battle groups to the Bay of Bengal for New Delhi's multinational naval drill Exercise Milan 2024.
  32. [32]
    U.S. Forces Participate in Indian Navy-led Exercise MILAN
    Feb 19, 2024 · This year's exercise focuses on strengthening military-to-military ties to contribute toward a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific.Missing: Andaman Nicobar
  33. [33]
    indian navy's multi-national exercise milan-2022 to commence ... - PIB
    Feb 23, 2022 · MILAN 22 is being conducted over a duration of 9 days in two phases with the harbour phase scheduled from 25 to 28 February and Sea Phase from ...
  34. [34]
    Basic Organisation - Join Indian Navy | Government of India
    This is the only Tri-Services Command in the Indian Armed Forces and is headed by a Commander-in-Chief, as appointed in rotation from the three Services. The ...<|separator|>
  35. [35]
    Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar Assumes Command of Andaman ...
    Oct 2, 2025 · Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, AVSM, NM, assumed command of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC) as its 19th Commander-in-Chief (CINCAN) on 01 ...
  36. [36]
    Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumed command of Andaman ...
    Oct 5, 2025 · Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumed command of Andaman & Nicobar Command #ANC as the 19th Commander-in-Chief Andaman & Nicobar Command #CINCAN ...<|separator|>
  37. [37]
    Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana takes over as Commander-in-Chief ... - PIB
    Jun 1, 2025 · Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana assumed charge as the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN) on June 01, 2025.
  38. [38]
    Change of guard in Andaman naval leadership
    Sep 26, 2025 · The Naval Component Commander plays a pivotal role in the defence and security structure of the Islands, which host India's only tri-service ...
  39. [39]
    [PDF] Annual Report 2002-2003 - Ministry of Defence
    2.21 Andaman and Nicobar Command : The first tri-Service Joint Command was established in October 2001 in Andaman and Nicobar under the Commander-in-. Chief ...
  40. [40]
    Andaman and Nicobar Command, Indian Air Force - Database
    Andaman and Nicobar Command ; 15 Sep 17 to 22 Oct 19, Air Commodore Bindu Ahluwalia, 18691 F(P) ; 02 Dec 06 to 31 Dec 07, Air Marshal Packiam Paul Rajkumar, 12018 ...
  41. [41]
    New Commander-in-Chief of India's Only Tri-Service Command
    ... Tri-Service ... officially assumed command as the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) on June 1, 2025. ... integrated tri-service ...
  42. [42]
    Govt activates theatre command: What we know about the tri-service ...
    May 29, 2025 · Only two tri-service commands exist—the Andaman and Nicobar Command and the Strategic Forces Command. The proposed theatre commands aim to ...
  43. [43]
    Organisational Learning and the Andaman and Nicobar Command
    Aug 7, 2025 · India took an unprecedented step 10 years ago by setting up a joint theatre operational command for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANC).
  44. [44]
    India upgrading strategic military infra in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
    Apr 10, 2024 · The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are undergoing a significant upgrade in military infrastructure, including the modernisation of airfields and jetties.
  45. [45]
    INS Utkrosh completes 37 years of dedicated service to the nation
    May 12, 2022 · The air station at Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands caters to flying operations of the Indian Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Civil ...
  46. [46]
    India enhances Andaman and Nicobar Command's aircraft recovery ...
    Feb 8, 2024 · INS Utkrosh is located on South Andaman Island and it shares a 3,200 m runway with the Veer Savarkar International Airport. Air traffic ...
  47. [47]
    Explained: What is INS Baaz, and why is it important?
    Oct 27, 2019 · INS Baaz is located at Campbell Bay on the Great Nicobar island, the southernmost and largest island of the Nicobar islands, in the Union Territory of Andaman ...
  48. [48]
    Indian Military Bases At INS Baaz, CAR Nicobar See Renewed Infra ...
    Aug 11, 2024 · Campbell Bay – INS Baaz. Campbell Bay, INS Baaz, is India's southernmost regular airstrip, located about 7 degrees north of the equator. The ...
  49. [49]
    INS Kohassa / NAS Shibpur - GlobalSecurity.org
    Sep 13, 2021 · INS Kohassa will be India's fourth air base and the third naval air facility in the Andaman and Nicobar region that overlooks key sea lanes of ...Missing: installations | Show results with:installations
  50. [50]
    Andaman and Nicobar Command – Indian Navy
    INHS Dhanvantari, located at Port Blair, is a Naval Hospital. INS Kardip, located at Nicobar, is an advance base.
  51. [51]
    Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumes charge of Andaman & Nicobar ...
    Oct 1, 2025 · During his tenure, the Andaman & Nicobar Command also pursued the inclusion of five key projects under the PM Gati Shakti Yojna – runway ...
  52. [52]
    Indian Naval Ship & Aircraft reach Belawan Indonesia for 32nd India
    The delegation is led by Commodore Ashutosh Ridhorkar, Naval Component Commander, Andaman and Nicobar Command. The ships and aircraft from both the ...
  53. [53]
    Securing the Straits: A Look at India's Military Presence in ... - - IADN -
    ... Command (ANC) is India's first and only tri-service theater command. Established in 2001, this unique force integrates the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a ...<|separator|>
  54. [54]
    NAVAL BASES AT ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR -ALL U NEED TO ...
    Mar 26, 2019 · INS Utkrosh is an Indian naval air station under the joint-services Andaman and Nicobar Command of the Indian Armed Forces.
  55. [55]
    10 Major Indian Navy Vessels - Marine Insight
    Dec 4, 2023 · Indian Navy Ships ... It was built in the country by Goa Shipyard Limited and is homeported at Port Blair, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Command ...
  56. [56]
    IN LCU L-56 Commissioned into the Indian Navy - PIB
    Jul 29, 2019 · ... Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), Commodore Ashutosh Ridhorkar, Naval Component Commander (NAVCC) ANC, Rear Admiral VK Saxena (Retd) CMD ...
  57. [57]
    INS Karmuk attends closing ceremony of India-Indonesia Corpat
    ... Naval Component Commander, Andaman and Nicobar Command embarked to participate in the closing ceremony. The ship was escorted by Indonesia Navy ship KRI ...
  58. [58]
    Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command visits ... - PIB
    Jul 27, 2021 · Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) Lt Gen Ajai Singh visited the Headquarter Air Force Component in Port Blair to review ...
  59. [59]
    Eastern Air Command - Indian Air Force: Touch The Sky With Glory
    Subsequently Port Blair, Carnicobar and Great Nicobar were placed under HQs Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) after its formation. With the increase in ...
  60. [60]
    Andaman & Nicobar Command set to get IAF fighter base | India News
    May 9, 2018 · The IAF currently has only one Mi17V5 helicopter unit and two Dornier aircraft permanently stationed at ANC.
  61. [61]
    Interview | Commander in Chief Andaman and Nicobar ... - Force
    While we have a limited air surveillance capability presently, we are expecting to add substantial assets both for enhanced surveillance as well as air defence, ...
  62. [62]
    India's military is changing, and how! - Rediff.com
    Apr 12, 2021 · The MTC will also include the air force bases at Sulur, Jamnagar and Thanjavur, and the amphibious warfare brigade -- 108 Infantry Brigade -- ...
  63. [63]
    Indian Brigadier Gaurav Gautam, commander, 108 Mountain
    Summary. Indian Brigadier Gaurav Gautam, commander, 108 Mountain Brigade, Andaman & Nicobar Islands ... Brigadier Gaurav Gautam, Commander, 108 Infantry Brigade, ...
  64. [64]
    Strengthening Andaman and Nicobar Command Key to India's ...
    Sep 2, 2016 · In 2001, India announced the creation of its maiden integrated theatre command -- Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC).
  65. [65]
    Army major's computer hacked; classified data may have been leaked
    May 7, 2010 · But there is no denying the fact that the major, who belongs to 21 Bihar Regiment battalion working under the 108 Infantry Brigade deployed ...
  66. [66]
    https://www.defencedirecteducation.com/2019/04/08/the-only-tri-service-command-all-u-need-to-know/
  67. [67]
    10 things to know about the Andaman and Nicobar Command | DDE
    May 10, 2022 · 3. The Command comprises Naval and Airbases namely INS Kohassa, INS Jarawa, INS Utkrosh, INS Kardip, INS Baaz, and Car Nicobar AFS. 4.<|control11|><|separator|>
  68. [68]
    India demonstrates amphibious assault capabilities of Andaman and ...
    Mar 3, 2021 · The Indian Armed Forces' Andaman and Nicobar Command has held a demonstration of its amphibious assault capabilities, including with a new landing craft type.Missing: brigade | Show results with:brigade<|control11|><|separator|>
  69. [69]
    RM Reviews operational preparedness of A&N command - PIB
    On 14 January 2019, the Raksha Mantri visited Campbell Bay and reviewed the operational readiness of the Command.
  70. [70]
    India Upgrades Aircraft Recovery Capabilities of Island Command
    Feb 15, 2024 · The Indian military has upgraded its strategically important Andaman and Nicobar Command to recover fixed-wing aircraft in low visibility conditions.
  71. [71]
    Air India flight achieves first successful night landing at Port Blair ...
    Jun 29, 2024 · The achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Indian Navy, Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), and the Airports ...
  72. [72]
    PacNet #78 – Nautical games: The great Nicobar Island project (part II)
    Oct 6, 2025 · The tri-service Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) at Port Blair and the Island Development Agency are transforming the archipelago into a ...
  73. [73]
    A project of a strategic and national importance - The Hindu
    Sep 12, 2025 · The project, of strategic, defence and national importance, is designed to transform Great Nicobar into a major hub of maritime and air ...Missing: ANC | Show results with:ANC
  74. [74]
    India and a Stable Indo-Pacific: Managing Maritime Security ...
    Mar 27, 2024 · The Code, developed in response to the perceived threats to ships and port facilities after the September 2001 attacks, provides measures to ...
  75. [75]
    Andaman Security: Extra-Regional Forces Eye Islands, Says Army ...
    Aug 16, 2025 · He also emphasised the need for round-the-clock surveillance of the islands to thwart any conventional or non-conventional threat, including ...
  76. [76]
    Andaman & Nicobar Command carries out maiden all–women ...
    Mar 8, 2024 · A maiden all-women maritime surveillance mission was undertaken by the Andaman & Nicobar Command on the 40th anniversary of INAS 318 and International Women's ...
  77. [77]
    Andaman & Nicobar Command conducts first all-woman maritime ...
    Mar 8, 2024 · The Andaman & Nicobar Command conducted its first-ever all-woman maritime surveillance mission. The crew undertook the mission from INS Utkrosh.
  78. [78]
    INS Saryu; Sailor's Life At Sea, Home Away From Home In ANC
    Oct 1, 2025 · INS Saryu; A Sailor's Life At Sea. What is life like for sailors on board an Indian Naval Ship in the Andaman and Nicobar Command's (ANC) Area ...
  79. [79]
    Andaman and Nicobar Command Hosts Tri-Services Idea ...
    May 7, 2025 · Its contributions to anti-piracy operations, humanitarian aid missions, and joint military exercises like 'Malabar' with QUAD partners (India, ...
  80. [80]
    India Seeks Role in Malacca Strait Patrols, Citing Contiguous Status ...
    Sep 6, 2025 · In 2006, the Indian Navy and Coast Guard joined multinational anti-piracy patrols in the strait, responding to Indonesia's acknowledgment of its ...
  81. [81]
    38th India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol begins in Andaman Sea ...
    Jun 13, 2022 · The 38th CORPAT is the first post pandemic Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) between the two countries. It includes a visit by the Indonesian Navy ...
  82. [82]
    Why India Should Be Included in the Malacca Strait Patrol
    Oct 16, 2025 · About 60 percent of India's sea-based trade and a significant amount of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports pass through the Malacca Strait.Missing: importance | Show results with:importance
  83. [83]
    Joint Military Exercise 'Ex KAVACH' concludes at Andaman ... - PIB
    Apr 8, 2023 · Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) conducted a large-scale Joint Military Exercise 'Ex KAVACH' involving the assets of the Army, Navy, Air Force ...
  84. [84]
    'Ex KAVACH' Concludes at Andaman and Nicobar Command
    The exercise was aimed at fine-tuning joint warfare capabilities & Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and enhancing interoperability and operational synergy ...
  85. [85]
    Force | Full of Potential - Forceindia.net
    Port Blair: In the third week of November 2017, the Andaman and Nicobar Command's (ANC) conducted a five-day joint exercise called the Defence of Andaman ...
  86. [86]
    India's Andaman Nicobar Command. 'Arc of Power' Episode I.
    May 21, 2025 · The exercise involves Indian Naval ships & Naval Marine Commandos (MARCOS) in combat free-fall para jumps and amphibious assault. As well as ...
  87. [87]
    ANC Conducts Joint Search And Rescue Exercise - 'VIMAAN'
    The exercise included search for survivors and life-rafts from a simulated aircraft crash, their rescue followed by evacuation. Air assets, ships and personnel ...
  88. [88]
    operation brahma - indian naval ships sail with relief material
    Mar 30, 2025 · Approximately 52 Tons of relief material have been embarked onboard these ships, including HADR pallets consisting of essential clothing, ...
  89. [89]
    Andaman and Nicobar Command Celebrates 25th Raising Day ...
    Oct 8, 2025 · Established in 2001 under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), ANC has remained a symbol of ...
  90. [90]
    Armed Forces prepare to mitigate Cyclone YAAS - PIB
    May 23, 2021 · Seven flood relief teams and two diving teams are ready at different locations in Andaman and Nicobar Islands to deal with any eventuality. In ...
  91. [91]
    Andaman Command, CGI rescue 2 foreigners from mid-sea - Rediff
    Jul 11, 2025 · The Andaman and Nicobar Command coordinated the search and rescue mission and immediately tasked the Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajveer, stationed ...
  92. [92]
    Daring Sea Rescue: Indian Coast Guard and A&N Command Save ...
    Oct 13, 2025 · Acting swiftly the Andaman & Nicobar Command coordinated the search and rescue mission in which. Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajveer, stationed ...
  93. [93]
    Andaman and Nicobar Command undertakes humanitarian aid and ...
    Port Blair, Oct 15: Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) conducted a Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief Exercise (HADR) code named 'Exercise JalVinash' on 14 ...Missing: operations | Show results with:operations
  94. [94]
    India fortifying Andaman and Nicobar Islands amid concerns over ...
    Jan 16, 2025 · India is undertaking a major military and infrastructure buildup in its Andaman and Nicobar Islands as concerns grow over the People's Republic of China's (PRC ...
  95. [95]
    Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Military Infrastructure Upgrades - NbN
    Apr 15, 2024 · These include revamped airfields and jetties to additional logistics and storage facilities, habitat for troops to a robust surveillance ...
  96. [96]
    India's Strategic Expansion in the Indian Ocean - KRC TIMES
    Sep 18, 2025 · On 11 April 2024, The Indian Express reported: “Strategic military infra upgrade in the works for Andaman & Nicobar Islands.” A day later, 12 ...
  97. [97]
    Great Nicobar Project is a trade game-changer for India - ThePrint
    Sep 12, 2025 · The government is also reported to be upgrading the Andaman and Nicobar Command (the only tri-service command), expanding the INS Baaz and ...
  98. [98]
    Strategic Projects in Andaman and Nicobar Islands - PMF IAS
    Post-Kargil war: India's first unified theatre operational command, the Andaman Nicobar Command (ANC) in Port Blair, was established in 2001 after the Kargil ...
  99. [99]
    https://trendsresearch.org/insight/indias-strategy-in-the-indo-pacific-assessing-its-readiness-in-a-shifting-geopolitical-landscape/
  100. [100]
    [PDF] India's Expanding Naval Presence in the Indo-Pacific
    Feb 18, 2025 · The Indian Navy was active throughout the standoff to challenge and pressure China in the Indian Ocean Region. It stepped up deployments of its ...
  101. [101]
    Andaman Nicobar: India's Submarine Stronghold to Counter China's ...
    Oct 5, 2025 · Positioned at the mouth of the Malacca Strait, such a facility would enable India to interdict Chinese shipping, shadow PLAN submarines, and ...
  102. [102]
    India's response to China's assertiveness over the seas
    It makes strategic sense for India who wants to develop its presence in the western Indian Ocean region, as witnessed by the access given to Indian warships to ...
  103. [103]
    [PDF] Strategic significance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
    Infrastructure deficit- The distance from the mainland and the inherent difficulties in developing infrastructure have been cited as reasons for delays in ...
  104. [104]
    Andaman and Nicobar Command - Fortune IAS Circle
    Aug 11, 2024 · The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), which was established on October 1, 2001, is India's unified military command, combining the Army ...
  105. [105]
    Defining the Charter of Chief of Defence Staff - MP-IDSA
    Nov 21, 2019 · For instance, though the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is an integrated theatre command, it lacks teeth due to differing perceptions and ...
  106. [106]
    Theater Commands: Prospects and challenges
    Feb 3, 2021 · The debate now focuses on the actual implementation of the proposal of Theatre Commands, and the differing interpretations of the same.
  107. [107]
    Defence Minister Reviews Operational Preparedness of Andaman ...
    Jan 6, 2023 · Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the strategic joint command's operational preparedness and infrastructure development at the Andaman ...Missing: hurdles | Show results with:hurdles
  108. [108]
    Andaman and Nicobar Islands Case Study | PDF - Scribd
    ... challenges due to inadequate defense infrastructure and asset allocation among the armed forces. The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) struggles with a lack ...
  109. [109]
    Car Nicobar's Mus Port Lacks Basic Facilities Despite Its Strategic ...
    Dec 17, 2024 · As per sources, one of the primary issues is the lack of fresh ... Andaman and Nicobar Command (6,929 views). Recent Comments. Deep Joy ...
  110. [110]
    13 years on, Kargil panel report still ignored - The Times of India
    Jul 26, 2012 · ... Defence Staff or a tri-services Andaman and Nicobar Command were implemented”. ... issues of logistics, engineering, operations and ...<|separator|>