19 Apr Strategic importance of Andaman & Nicobar islands
This article covers ‘Daily Current Affairs’ and the topic details of ”Strategic importance of Andaman & Nicobar islands”. This topic is relevant in the “International Relations” section of the UPSC CSE exam.
Why in the News?
The recent attention from the Indian government towards the development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands highlights their crucial importance in the Indo-Pacific area. This has led to initiatives aimed at improving both infrastructure and security on the islands. The current emphasis on bolstering strategic facilities, both for civilian and military purposes, indicates a belated recognition of the islands’ strategic maritime value, which had been overlooked since India gained independence.
Strategic importance of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Gateway to Indo-Pacific
As a “net security provider,” India can utilise its presence on these islands to safeguard its own interests while projecting itself as a stabilising force in the area.
Connect India with Southeast Asia
Andaman and Nicobar Islands serve as a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, with approximately 30 per cent of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) encompassing them. Geographically, they are closely situated in Myanmar and Indonesia, reinforcing their strategic importance.
Checking the Chinese aspirations
In terms of regional security, the islands provide India with the capability to establish a maritime exclusion zone, particularly in times of potential conflict with China. This strategic advantage enables India to counterbalance the presence of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in the Indian Ocean and closely monitor Chinese maritime activities, thus acquiring valuable insights into their operational behaviours and patterns within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Maritime Partnership
Given their intersection with the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean, the islands serve as a critical nexus in the broader Indo-Pacific region. Japan’s commitment to supporting development projects in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands underscores their significance, with recent investments aimed at infrastructure enhancement, including an international container transhipment terminal, an airport, a power plant, and a township.
Regional Connectivity Hub
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are strategically important for India beyond defence. They bridge South and Southeast Asia, offering economic opportunities. With a vast Exclusive Economic Zone, they can be a hub for trade, investment, and cultural exchange, connecting India to the Indo-Pacific region. Upgrading infrastructure like ports will further solidify this role.
Mineral Wealth
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer India access to a vast exclusive economic zone spanning 300,000 square kilometres, holding significant potential for undersea hydrocarbon and mineral reserves.
Tourism Appeal
With its pristine beaches, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands boast considerable tourism potential, presenting an opportunity to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into India’s hospitality sector.
Maritime and Innovation Hub
Recognizing the islands’ potential, NITI Aayog has outlined plans for their development as a maritime and startup hub. For instance, the proposed project for Great Nicobar includes the establishment of an international container trans-shipment terminal, a greenfield international airport, a power plant, and a township complex.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer India a platform to engage in disaster relief efforts, medical assistance, combating piracy and human trafficking, as well as conducting aircraft and submarine search and rescue missions, contributing to social welfare across the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Challenges regarding the development of A&N islands
- Shifting Priorities: India’s evolving foreign policy, transitioning from a passive “Look East” approach to a more active “Act East” policy, has highlighted the need to prioritise the development of its island territories. However, this realisation comes after a period of relative neglect.
- Logistical Hurdles: The islands’ remoteness from mainland India presents significant challenges in infrastructure development. Building essential infrastructure is a complex and expensive undertaking due to the logistical difficulties involved.
- Environmental Safeguards: Strict environmental regulations and the need to protect tribal communities and sensitive ecosystems create hurdles for development projects. Balancing economic growth with environmental and social sustainability remains a critical challenge.
- Bureaucratic Bottlenecks: The involvement of multiple ministries and agencies in development projects often leads to coordination issues, creating bureaucratic delays and hindering progress.
- Short-Term vs. Long-Term Vision: Striking a balance between long-term strategic goals and short-term political gains can be challenging. Politicians may prioritise quick, visible projects over long-term strategic initiatives crucial for the islands’ development.
Central government’s initiatives for the development of Andaman & Nicobar initiatives
- Vision 2030 & 7-Year Strategy: This plan outlines initiatives to boost agriculture, fisheries, and tourism in the islands. It promotes sustainable practices like crop diversification and solar dryers for copra production.
- NITI Aayog’s Project for Great Nicobar: This ambitious project envisions an international container transhipment terminal, airport, power plant, and township, aiming to create a maritime and industrial hub.
- Japan’s Overseas Development Assistance: In 2021, Japan granted USD 265 crore in aid for development projects in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Development of defence infrastructure: A contemporary hangar and dispersal system have been established at INS Utkrosh in Port Blair. Additionally, Naval Communication Network (NCN) Centers have been strategically positioned at INS Kohassa, INS Baaz, and INS Kardi, aimed at enhancing communication and operational capacities within the Andaman and Nicobar Command.
Prelims practise questions
Q1. Which of the following pairs of islands is divided by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?
(a) Andaman and Nicobar
(b) Nicobar and Sumatra
(c) Maldives and Lakshadweep
(d) Sumatra and Java
Answer: A
Q2. Which of the following options exhibits coral reefs?
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Gulf of Kachchh
- Gulf of Mannar
- Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Q3. Which island is closest to both Andaman and Nicobar among the maritime nations?
(a) Sunda Islands
(b) Java Islands
(c) Maldives
(d) Mauritius
Answer: B
Mains practise questions
Q1. What specific resources or capabilities do the Andaman and Nicobar Islands possess that make them crucial for enhancing India’s soft power through disaster relief and humanitarian assistance efforts?
Q2. How does the establishment of infrastructure and facilities, such as naval bases and communication networks, on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands enhance India’s ability to project power and maintain security in the region?
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