Opinion | Countering the Dragon: India's Strategic Buildup in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

As tensions simmer in the Indo-Pacific, India is transforming the Andaman and Nicobar Islands into a formidable bastion of power, a strategic counter to China’s assertive manoeuvres in Southeast Asia. Nestled at the crossroads of crucial maritime routes, these islands are no longer just a remote outpost but a key player in the high-stakes game of regional dominance. India’s recent surge in military and infrastructural developments here sends an unequivocal message: the era of passive defence is over. In its place, a robust, proactive stance is emerging, aimed squarely at curbing Beijing’s ambitions and asserting India’s influence over the vital sea lanes that connect the world’s largest economies.

The Maldives, for instance, recently faced a crisis after adopting an “India Out" strategy and aligning itself with China. This pro-China stance backfired, leading to internal instability and eventually forcing the Maldives to apologise to India. Recognising the volatility in its neighbourhood, India is not only developing the Lakshadweep Islands as an alternative strategic location but is also heavily investing in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which hold unique and significant strategic importance of their own.

Historically, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been a strategic asset for India, but recent developments underscore their growing importance. The islands are home to two main airports: Veer Savarkar International Airport at Port Blair and Car Nicobar Air Force Station. However, India’s efforts have extended beyond these initial facilities.

The Indian Navy is expanding its capabilities by building a longer runway at Shibpur, now known as INS Kohassa, located in the northern part of the islands. This new runway is designed to support larger and more advanced military aircraft, enhancing the operational readiness of India’s forces in the region.

In addition to INS Kohassa, the Indian government has embarked on a comprehensive 10-year infrastructure development plan for the islands. This plan includes the extension of the Campbell Bay (INS Baaz) runway in the southern part of the islands to 10,000 feet. This extension will enable the operation of larger aircraft, thereby increasing the strategic reach of India’s air power. Another 10,000-foot runway is planned for Kamorta, further bolstering the islands’ capacity to host significant military assets.

The deployment of advanced military aircraft is a key component of India’s strategy. The Indian Air Force has stationed its Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Jaguar Maritime fighter jets on the islands, while the Indian Navy operates Poseidon P-8I submarine hunters from these bases. The development of military infrastructure is aimed at ensuring the permanent deployment of these assets, providing India with a robust and continuous presence in the region.

Former Indian Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash highlighted the strategic importance of these developments. He emphasised the need to enhance the military assets stationed at the islands, citing the frequent transits of PLA Navy (PLAN) warships, submarines, and research/intelligence-gathering vessels in the waters surrounding the islands. Admiral Prakash argues that the presence of Chinese naval forces, including nuclear attack submarines, necessitates a substantial anti-submarine warfare capability for the Indian Navy. This strategic imperative underscores the importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in countering the growing Chinese naval presence.

India’s strategic initiatives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands extend beyond infrastructure development. The Andaman and Nicobar Command, the only tri-service command in India, periodically conducts joint maritime exercises with partner nations. One such exercise is the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX), which enhances interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy. Additionally, India conducts MILAN, the largest naval exercise in the region, which involves the participation of numerous navies from across the Indo-Pacific. These exercises demonstrate India’s commitment to regional security and its ability to work closely with allied nations.

The inauguration of the Chennai-Andaman and Nicobar undersea internet cable marks another significant milestone in India’s development efforts. This high-speed internet connection links seven remote island chains, providing residents with improved connectivity and communication capabilities. Enhanced internet connectivity also supports military operations, enabling secure and reliable communication channels for strategic purposes.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands serve as a strategic pit stop for naval vessels of partner countries, including those from the Quad nations (India, Japan, the United States, and Australia) and France. These countries have been collaborating with India to develop the islands as a countermeasure to China’s increasing presence in the surrounding waters. There have been reports that India is considering installing the Japan-US “fishhook" Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS), a chain of sensors designed to track submarines. This system, once operational, is expected to enhance intelligence sharing among Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, and India, creating a comprehensive counter-wall against Chinese submarines in the Andaman Sea and South China Sea.

China’s influence in South Asia has grown significantly over the past decade, often through a combination of economic investments and strategic debt traps. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a prime example, with China investing over $60 billion in infrastructure projects in Pakistan. These investments have secured China’s strategic foothold in the region, including access to the Arabian Sea through the Gwadar Port.

In Myanmar, China’s investments in ports and infrastructure have increased its influence, while in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Beijing has used debt diplomacy to gain control over critical assets. The Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka, for instance, was leased to China for 99 years after Sri Lanka was unable to repay Chinese loans. This move has given China a strategic base in the Indian Ocean, enhancing its ability to project power in the region.

The tug-of-war between India and China in the South China Sea has deep historical roots. Both nations have long-standing interests in the region, with China asserting expansive territorial claims and constructing artificial islands to bolster its position. These actions have led to increased tensions and prompted India to strengthen its strategic partnerships and military presence in the Indo-Pacific.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold significant strategic importance due to their location at the crossroads of key maritime routes. For China, these islands are critical for the security of its maritime trade routes, which pass through the Malacca Strait. Approximately 80 per cent of China’s oil imports transit through this narrow waterway, making it a vital chokepoint. A robust Indian presence in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can effectively monitor and potentially disrupt Chinese maritime activities, providing India with a crucial point of strategic leverage.

India’s foreign policy in Southeast Asia must focus on maintaining a strong and proactive stance. This requires a consensus within India, transcending political affiliations, to ensure a unified approach to regional security and strategic interests. By leveraging its strategic assets in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and strengthening alliances with key partners, India can effectively counter China’s expansionism and maintain stability in Southeast Asia.

A robust foreign policy should emphasise the importance of regional cooperation and the development of multilateral frameworks. India has already made significant strides in this direction by actively participating in forums such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the East Asia Summit. Strengthening these partnerships and fostering closer ties with Southeast Asian nations will be crucial in countering China’s influence.

Furthermore, India’s engagement with the Quad nations and other like-minded countries should be deepened. The Quad, comprising India, Japan, the United States, and Australia, has emerged as a significant strategic partnership aimed at promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Collaborating on defence and security initiatives, maritime domain awareness, and infrastructure development will enhance India’s capabilities to counter Chinese expansionism.

India’s strategic development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is not merely a defensive measure but a clear message to China: India’s resolve in safeguarding its maritime interests and regional stability is unwavering. This bold stance is a direct challenge to China’s aggressive expansionism and signals that any attempts to dominate the Indo-Pacific will be met with formidable resistance. Our actions in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands underscore our determination to uphold international norms and secure our strategic autonomy, setting a precedent for other regional powers to assert their sovereignty in the face of coercive tactics.

The writer takes special interest in history, culture and geopolitics. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.

In Myanmar, China’s investments in ports and infrastructure have increased its influence, while in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Beijing has used debt diplomacy to gain control over critical assets. The Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka, for instance, was leased to China for 99 years after Sri Lanka was unable to repay Chinese loans. This move has given China a strategic base in the Indian Ocean, enhancing its ability to project power in the region.

The tug-of-war between India and China in the South China Sea has deep historical roots. Both nations have long-standing interests in the region, with China asserting expansive territorial claims and constructing artificial islands to bolster its position. These actions have led to increased tensions and prompted India to strengthen its strategic partnerships and military presence in the Indo-Pacific.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold significant strategic importance due to their location at the crossroads of key maritime routes. For China, these islands are critical for the security of its maritime trade routes, which pass through the Malacca Strait. Approximately 80 per cent of China’s oil imports transit through this narrow waterway, making it a vital chokepoint. A robust Indian presence in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can effectively monitor and potentially disrupt Chinese maritime activities, providing India with a crucial point of strategic leverage.

India’s foreign policy in Southeast Asia must focus on maintaining a strong and proactive stance. This requires a consensus within India, transcending political affiliations, to ensure a unified approach to regional security and strategic interests. By leveraging its strategic assets in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and strengthening alliances with key partners, India can effectively counter China’s expansionism and maintain stability in Southeast Asia.

A robust foreign policy should emphasise the importance of regional cooperation and the development of multilateral frameworks. India has already made significant strides in this direction by actively participating in forums such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the East Asia Summit. Strengthening these partnerships and fostering closer ties with Southeast Asian nations will be crucial in countering China’s influence.

Furthermore, India’s engagement with the Quad nations and other like-minded countries should be deepened. The Quad, comprising India, Japan, the United States, and Australia, has emerged as a significant strategic partnership aimed at promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Collaborating on defence and security initiatives, maritime domain awareness, and infrastructure development will enhance India’s capabilities to counter Chinese expansionism.

India’s strategic development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is not merely a defensive measure but a clear message to China: India’s resolve in safeguarding its maritime interests and regional stability is unwavering. This bold stance is a direct challenge to China’s aggressive expansionism and signals that any attempts to dominate the Indo-Pacific will be met with formidable resistance. Our actions in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands underscore our determination to uphold international norms and secure our strategic autonomy, setting a precedent for other regional powers to assert their sovereignty in the face of coercive tactics.

The writer takes special interest in history, culture and geopolitics. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.