The Andaman & Nicobar Command is the first and only tri-services command of the Indian armed forces which is based at Port Blair. It was created in 2001 to safeguard India's strategic interests in Southeast Asia and the Strait of Malacca. In addition to basing army, navy, and air force components, the command also provides logistics support to naval ships proceeding on deployment to South China Sea, East Asia, and the Pacific Ocean.
Strategic importance of ANC
The Ten-degree channel within India's EEZ is the world's busiest shipping trade route which also connects to very narrow Malacca and Singapore Straits. This route is the world's most vital strategic chokepoint in military terminology. Safety, security, and freedom of navigation in this area is vital for the global economy. All of this is part of a much larger Indian ocean region which accounts for the world's 80-90 percent trade.
The zone of influence of the ANC has deep significance in terms of global economy, geopolitics, safety and freedom of navigation, and power projection of not only India but other nations in the region. ANC influence over the gateway to fareast includes a six-degree and ten-degree channel which is connected to the Strait of Malacca. These are crossed by an average of 95000 merchant ships every year carrying 40-45 percent freight to and from China, South Korea, and Japan. The Strait of Malacca connects the Indian Ocean with South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and hence the strategic relevance of this strait is paramount to the economies of numerous countries in the region.
NEW MANTRA FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
AMIT COWSHISH explains why the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which is one of the biggest spenders, needs to watch out for the latest mediation rules.
NEW WAVE TERRORISM IN JAMMU & KASHMIR
KARAN KHARB argues that Pakistan's continued use of proxy war tactics against India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, poses a severe threat to national security. He advocates for a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of military strategies and a coordinated national policy to address both external and internal security challenges effectively.
INDIAN NAVY'S PROJECT-751 - GERMAN TKMS LEADS SPANISH NAVANTIA AFTER FIELD TRIALS FOR AIP-SUBMARINE DEAL
German submarine-builder ThyssenKrupp (TKMS) and India's Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) have emerged as leaders in the Indian Navy's Project-751, which aims to build six submarines with Fuel Cell Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and Lithium-ion batteries. Following successful field trials, TKMS and MDL have gained an edge over competitors by demonstrating their proven AIP technology and advanced submarine design tailored to the Indian Navy's needs.
VIKSIT BHARAT FROM A DREAM TO REALITY
The article explores India's ascent as a global influencer, emphasising its strategic advancements in foreign policy, defence, and economic growth. It also highlights India's challenges in achieving sustainable development and strengthening internal security. Adopting a forward-looking approach, the article envisions India's rise as a major economic power and a key player in global stability, as outlined by LT. GEN. A.B. SHIVANE (RETD.).
WILL MODI APPLY THE LESSON LEARNT FROM KOREA IN UKRAINE?
Speculation around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's possible visit to Ukraine raises questions about India's role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. Drawing from its experience during the Korean War, India may seek to leverage its strategic neutrality to foster dialogue in a conflict where China and Turkey have also shown interest, opines PRAKASH NANDA.
UGVS: THE NEXT DIMENSION OF WARFARE
With the rest of the world developing unmanned ground vehicles at a breakneck speed, it is time for India to join the bandwagon at the earliest.
SUPERSONIC DESTROYER
The BrahMos programme has filled a critical gap in the Indian armed forces' missile inventory and continues to attract strong export interest, writes ATUL CHANDRA.
POLICE MODERNISATION: AN URGENT NEED OF THE HOUR
India is facing many internal security threats, and it is time to reshape the strategic dynamics by modernising the police forces.
FUTURE FIGHTER
FIA 24 provided important insights into the Global Combat Air Programme, which will redefine the future of air combat, reports MIKE RAJKUMAR.
FILLING THE GAP
A new Medium Transport Aircraft is essential for the IAF, but it will have to compete with other pressing programmes fighting for limited budgetary resources, analyses ATUL CHANDRA.
