Andaman and Nicobar Command: Difference between revisions

{{short description|tri-services command of the Indian Armed Forces}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2019}}

|image = Floating Dock Navy (FDN) INS Jarawa of the Indian Navy.jpg

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| caption = Floating Dock Navy (FDN-1) at INS ''Jarawa''

| commander1 = [[Lieutenant General (India)|Lieutenant General]] <br />[[Ajai Singh (lieutenant general)|Ajai Singh]], {{small|AVSM}}<ref name="crucial">{{Cite news|url=https://theprint.in/defence/indias-crucial-eastern-army-command-andaman-nicobar-command-get-new-chiefs-tomorrow/668541/|title=India’s crucial Eastern Army Command, Andaman-Nicobar Command get new chiefs tomorrow|date=31 May 2021|work=ThePrint|access-date=31 May 2021}}</ref>

The '''Andaman and Nicobar Command''' (ANC) is the first and only [[Joint warfare|tri-service]] [[Theater (warfare)|theater command]] of the [[Indian Armed Forces]], based at [[Port Blair]] in the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]], a [[Union Territory]] of [[India]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-how-the-indian-navy-can-dominate-the-indian-ocean/20120903.htm#1|title=How the Indian Navy can dominate the Indian Ocean|date=3 September 2012|newspaper=Rediff|access-date=23 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111083706/http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-how-the-indian-navy-can-dominate-the-indian-ocean/20120903.htm#1|archive-date=11 November 2013}}</ref> It was created in 2001 to safeguard India's strategic interests in [[Southeast Asia]] and the [[Strait of Malacca]] by increasing rapid deployment of military assets in the region. It provides logistical and administrative support to naval ships which are sent on deployment to East Asia and the Pacific Ocean.<ref name="aapidsa">{{cite journal|last=Prakash|first=Admiral (Retd) Arun|year=2007|title=India’s Higher Defence Organisation|url=http://www.idsa.in/system/files/JDS1(1)2007_0.pdf|journal=Journal of Defence Studies, [[Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses]]|volume=1|issue=1|access-date=1 March 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232945/http://www.idsa.in/system/files/JDS1%281%292007_0.pdf|archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref><ref name=dns27f13>{{cite news|title=India To Establish 2 Additional Missile Test Sites|url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130227/DEFREG03/302270018/India-Establish-2-Additional-Missile-Test-Sites?odyssey=nav%7Chead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130408013308/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130227/DEFREG03/302270018/India-Establish-2-Additional-Missile-Test-Sites?odyssey=nav%7Chead|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 April 2013|access-date=1 March 2013|newspaper=Defence News|date=27 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="navyRP">Rajat Pandit (2010), ''[https://archive.today/20130103115901/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-02-06/india/28115911_1_anc-airfield-andamans {{Sic|hide=y|Strategically|-}}important A&N Command to get a boost]''.  The Times of India, 6 February 2010. Accessed on 23 July 2012.</ref>

=== Strategic importance of ANC ===

According to the [[International Hydrographic Organization]]'s (IHO) definitions of [[Bay of Bengal#Extent|Bay of Bengal]] and [[Andaman Sea#Extent|Andaman Sea]], the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (A&N) fall on the maritime boundary of these two. Indian [[exclusive economic zone]] (EEZ) to the north and west of A&N falls within Bay of Bengal and to east of A&N falls within Andaman Sea. Various [[strait]]s (narrow passage in the sea, also called the channel) in A&N, are officially part of Andaman Sea and not the Bay of Bengal, connect the Bay of Bengal with Andaman Sea and to the shipping routes beyond. The [[Ten Degree Channel]] (also called Great or Grand Channel) within India's EEZ is world's busiest shipping trade route which also connects to very narrow and contiguous Malacca and Singapore straits. This route is considered world's biggest strategic [[choke point|chokepoint]] in military terminology, e.g. India and allies could potentially impose a [[blockade]] in [[Economic warfare|case of dispute]] with China whose economy significantly depends on the export trade through this route. Safety, security and freedom of navigation in this area is vital for the global economy. All of this area is part of much larger Indian Ocean region which has world's 90% trade, which in turn is part of Indo-Pacific region which carries most of the global trade.

The zone of influenze of ANC has deep significance in terms of history, culture, religion, economy and [[Foreign trade of India|trade]], EEZs, political and international relations, national security, safety and freedom of navigation of power projection of not only India but also [[Countries dependent on the Bay of Bengal|other nations of South Asia and Southeast Asia]] as well as $3 trillion international trade which passes through south [[Andaman Sea]]. ANC influence over the gateway of [[Far East]] includes [[Six Degree Channel]]<!-- As per wiki guidelines, pls retain the redlink to encourage creation of article. Thanks. --> and Ten Degree Channel in Indian EEZ in Bay of Bengal, which is connected to the [[Strait of Malacca]]. These are crossed by over 94,000 merchant ships every year carrying world's 40% freight trade to and from China, South Korea and Japan. Andaman and Nicobar Islands account for 0.2% of India’s land and 30% of its [[Exclusive economic zone]].<ref name=stra2>[http://www.futuredirections.org.au/publication/growing-strategic-importance-andaman-nicobar-islands/ The Growing Strategic Importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands], Future Directions org, 15 JUNE 2017.</ref><ref name=stra3>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/more-muscle-for-india-s-andaman-and-nicobar-defence-posts-to-counter-hawkish-china/story-8YkEo28c3WZM9Lqq2iiJnK.html More muscle for India’s Andaman and Nicobar defence posts to counter hawkish China], [[Hindustan Times]], 26 Aug 2017.</ref> [[Sea lines of communication]] (SLOC) carry more than 90% of global trade.<ref name=stra12/> In [[Indo-Pacific|Indo-Pacific Asia]], US$5 trillion annual shipping trade passes through the SLOC and [[Choke point|chokepoint]]s of Southeast Asia and South China Sea (SCS).<ref name=stra12/> 80% of the global trade passes through Indian Ocean SLOC in oil and natural gas critical for advanced economies.<ref name=stra12>[https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/key-enablers/4124-australia-s-own-indo-pacific-fortress-the-case-for-redeveloping-cocos-islands Australia’s own Indo-Pacific fortress – The case for redeveloping Cocos Islands], Defence Connect, 28 MAY 2019.</ref>

Since this area in Indian EEZ and ANC influence zone connects [[Indian Ocean]] with [[South China Sea]] and [[Pacific Ocean]], the safety of Malacca strait is pramount to the economies of numerous countries.<ref name=stra4>[https://www.c3sindia.org/defence-security/indias-strategic-dimensions-in-malacca-strait-by-vithiyapathy-p/ India’s Strategic Dimensions in Malacca Strait By Vithiyapathy Purushothaman], 16 March 2015.</ref> Both USA and Russia support the freedom of navigation.<ref name=stra21/> Australia's "2013 Defence White Paper" emphasises importance of security of Indian Ocean SLOC trade which has surpassed Atlantic and Pacific oceans trade.<ref name=stra22>[https://eurasiantimes.com/india-australia-could-sign-pact-for-a-military-base-in-andamans-and-cocos-islands-experts/ India, Australia Could Sign Pact For A Military Base In Andaman’s and Cocos Islands], Eurasian Times, 23 May 23, 2020.</ref> However, China's activities in this region continues cause concern among several nations.<ref name=stra4/> Against the concern shown by United States, Japan and several other nations, China continues to claim [[Territorial disputes in the South China Sea|most of South China Sea]].<ref name=stra23/> China has militarized a reclaimed tiny islet in South China Sea which is also claimed by other nations.<ref name=stra23/> This has led to China's conflict with several Southeast Asian nations, including [[Philippines v. China|Philippines]] and [[China–Vietnam relations#Rekindled tensions over maritime territory|Vietnam]].<ref name=stra23/> In March 2020, [[Indian Navy]] discovered 12 underwater drones deployed by China in Indian Ocean for gathering [[Oceanography|oceanographic]] naval intelligence aimed at [[submarine warfare]].<ref name=stra22/><ref name=stra4/> China has allegedly done the similar underwater drone operation in [[Pacific Ocean]] as well.<ref name=stra22/><ref name=stra4/>

All 3 major global sea trade routes to Indian Ocean, from [[Cape of Good Hope]] and [[Gulf of Aden]] or [[Straits of Hormuz]], converge at narrow Six Degree Channel in Indian EEZ resulting in high shipping density, which enhances India's ability to exert influence over the vulnerability and protection of this maritime trade route.<ref name=stra21>[https://idsa.in/askanexpert/geo-strategic-potential-of-the-great-channel What is the geo-strategic potential of the Great Channel? How can it curtail the benefits of the Malacca Strait?], Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis.</ref> Shallow, congested and narrow [[Archipelagic state|archipelagic]] chokepoints in the influence zone of ANC are Straits of Malacca and [[Lombok Strait]] to and from South China Sea.<ref name=stra3/> Malaca strait is the busiest and most important chokepoint.<ref name=stra4/><ref name=stra20>Bill Tarrant, 2010, [http://in.reuters.com/article/2010/03/04/idINIndia-46652220100304Malacca Strait is a strategic ‘chokepoint’]{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, retrieved 23 Jan 2015.</ref><ref name=stra3/> All trade vessels from Malacca Strait must pass through most important SLOC chokepoint located within India's Anadaman Nicobar EEZ, i.e. Six Degree Channel south of Anadaman and Nicobar Islands.<ref name=stra2/> Other two less frequently used channels within Indian EEZ are the [[Preparis Channel]]<!-- As per wiki guidelines, pls retain the redlink to encourage creation of article. Thanks. --> in north and the Ten Degree Channel between the Andaman and Nicobar island groups.<ref name=stra2/> Alternative to the shorter and busiest route through Malaca Strait and Six Degree Channel in Indian EEZ, guarded by Indian Military Base in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is Sunda and Lombok Straits chokepoints in Indonesia in the influence zone of [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands#RAAF|Cocos (Keeling) Islands Australian Military Base]].<ref name=stra16/> Together, these chokepoints are the entry and exit points between Indian and Pacific Oceans, all of which lie within combined India-Australia military incluence zone.<ref name=stra16/> This provides geostrategic advantage to Indian and Australian militaries [part of [[Quadrilateral Security Dialogue|QUAD]] along with USA and Japan] for joint anti-signal intelligence gathering, submarine tracking and warfare missions in Indian and Pacific Oceans.<ref name=stra16>[https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/islands-opportunity-where-india-and-australia-can-work-together Islands of opportunity: Where India and Australia can work together], The Interpreter, 22 May 2020.</ref>

[[Quadrilateral Security Dialogue]] (QUAD), a strategic dialogue between Australia, India, Japan and USA, is aimed at countering the risk posed to the trade and security of navigation and nations in and around this region.<ref>Ching, Frank. [http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2008/04/171_19480.html "Asian Arc of Democracy"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610222015/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2008/04/171_19480.html |date=10 June 2015 }} ''[[Korea Times]]'', 24 February 2008.</ref><ref name=Tanning>Twining, Daniel. [http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/29d6bc30-6bc9-11dc-863b-0000779fd2ac.html "The new Asian order’s challenge to China"]. ''[[Financial Times]]'', 26 September 2007.</ref><ref name="Brooks CNAS">Brooks, L., Busby, J. W., Denmark, A. M., Ford, L., Green, M. J., Ikenberry, G. J., Kaplan, R. D., Patel, N., Twining, D., and R. Weitz, 2009. [https://lbj.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/file/news/CNAS%20China's%20Arrival_Final%20Report-3.pdf "China’s Arrival: A Strategic Framework for a Global Relationship"]. Eds. Abraham Denmark and Nirav Patel, ''[[Center for a New American Security]]''.</ref> QUAD nations continue to hold regular military exercise in the ANC influence area, such as [[Malabar (naval exercise)|Exercise Malabar]] (see also [[Balikatan|US-Philippines Annual Balikatan Exercise]]).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Diplomat |first1=Franz-Stefan Gady, The |title=India, US, and Japan to Hold ‘Malabar’ Naval War Games This Week |url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/06/india-us-and-japan-to-hold-malabar-naval-war-games-this-week/ |website=The Diplomat |access-date=5 June 2018}}</ref><ref name="MilEx08">{{cite web |url=http://www.indiadefence.com/MilEx.htm |title=Military Exercises –– Feb to Nov 2008}}</ref>

Aimed at countering China's activities in Indo-Pacific, to ensure "free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region ... and maintaining open, safe and efficient sea lanes for transportation and communication", India and Australia signed a military treaty for [[Military logistics|Mutual Logistics Support]] and [[Interoperability#Military|interoperability]] for reciprocal access to military bases.<ref name=stra23/> India has a similar treaty with U.S, while similar treaty with remaining member of QUAD, Japan, is awaited.<ref name=stra23/> India, which also has [[memoranda of understanding|MoU]] with USA and Japan for encrypted military communications, is likely to sign similar MoU with Australia.<ref name=stra23/> India, USA and Japan have been undertaking regular trilateral maritime exercises (Exercise Malabar), which Australia is also expected to join.<ref name=stra23>[https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/India-and-Australia-sign-military-pact-as-China-tensions-rise India and Australia sign military pact as China tensions rise], Asian Review, 4 June 2020.</ref> India-Australia Military Pact paves the way for extending their regional reach through coordinated power projection and mutual use of military facilities in India’s [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] and Australia’s [[Cocos Island]].<ref name=stra22/> Australia, which already has [[Royal Australian Air Force|RAAF base]] at Cocos Islands, uses it for surveillance and to monitor the area extending between Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the north to Cocos Islands in south.<ref name=stra22/>

[[India–Singapore relations#Geo|India-Singapore Bilateral Agreement for Navy Cooperation]] also provides Indian Navy ships access to Singapore’s [[Changi Naval Base]], logistical support and refuelling rights. This allows India, which has similar agreements with Vietnam, Japan, France, Australia and the United States, to counter China's "string of pearls" with "Necklace of Diamonds" ports: Changi Naval Base in Singapore, [[Chabahar Port]] in Iran, the [[Assumption Island]] in Seychelles, and [[Duqm Port]] in [[Oman]].<ref name=seac1>[https://eurasiantimes.com/from-singapores-changi-naval-base-to-omans-duqm-port-how-is-india-countering-chinese-string-of-pearls/ From Singapore’s Changi Naval Base To Oman’s Duqm Port, How Is India Countering Chinese String of Pearls?], Eurasian Times, 15 July 2020.</ref>

The 750-km long Andaman and Nicobar archipelago consists of a chain of 572 islands.<ref name=":1"/> It is located about 1200&nbsp;km from mainland India, merely 40&nbsp;km from Myanmar, 160&nbsp;km from Indonesia and 550&nbsp;km from Thailand.<ref name=":1"/> India's [[Landfall Island]] is 40&nbsp;km from Myanmar's [[Coco Islands]]. India's southernmost territory [[Indira Point]] is 135&nbsp;km north of Indonesia's northernmost territory [[Rondo Island]].<ref name=rondo8>James Horsburgh, 1852, [https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=faCjf8FPR14C&pg=PA63&dq=rondo+island&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj604iHnbXqAhXQILcAHdIzDIY4ChDoATACegQIBBAC#v=onepage&q=rondo%20island&f=false The India Directory, Or, Directions for Sailing to and from the East Indies], Page 63.</ref><ref name=indo1>[http://indonesia-tourism.com/blog/2012/05/rondo-island-the-rich-uninhabited-island/ Rondo Island, The Rich Uninhabited Island]</ref> India's [[Tillangchong]] island (north of Camorta Island in Nicobar) is just 440&nbsp;km from Thailand's [[Similan Islands#Geography|Ko Huyong]] ([[Similan Islands]] group). India's Campbell Bay on [[Great Nicobar Island]] is 488&nbsp;km from Thailand's [[Ko Racha]]<!-- As per wiki guidelines, pls retain the redlink to encourage creation of article. Thanks. --> (Racha Noi Island in [[Phuket Province]]). Campbell Bay is also 630&nbsp;km from Malaysia's nearest island [[Langkawi]].

In 1999, after the [[Kargil War]], Andaman and Nicobar Islands received more attention.<ref name=":1" /> The Group of Ministers (GoM) report on Reforming the National Security System recommended the replacement of the FORTAN, under the [[Indian Navy]], with a Joint Andaman and Nicobar Command which will control the assets of the tri-services and the Coast Guard on the islands. The GoM had recommended that the Commander of this Joint Command would report to the proposed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). The Andaman and Nicobar Command was in place by the end of September 2001 and [[Vice Admiral]] (later [[Admiral]] and [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|CNS]]) [[Arun Prakash]] was the first Commander–in–Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN).<ref name="aapidsa" /><ref name="usi">{{cite journal|last=Prakash|first=Admiral (Retd) Arun|year=2002|title=Joint Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) and Defence of Our Island Territories (Part I)|url=http://www.usiofindia.org/frame.htm|url-status=dead|journal=USI Journal|volume=CXXXlI|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100625042257/http://www.usiofindia.org/frame.htm|archive-date=25 June 2010|access-date=1 March 2013}}</ref><ref name="nic1j">{{cite web|url=http://ids.nic.in/WebAbhiIDS/brief.html|title=Andaman and Nicobar Command|publisher=NIC|access-date=1 July 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513102857/http://ids.nic.in/WebAbhiIDS/brief.html|archive-date=13 May 2013}}</ref> A joint command at [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] would help in to prevent smuggling, piracy, drug and gun trafficking, poaching and illegal immigration in the region and especially in the Malacca Strait. The command would also be in a position to assist the multinational Malacca Straits Security Initiative, aimed at curbing threats in the [[Malacca Strait]]s.<ref name="dns27f13" /><ref name="tte11j99">{{cite news|title=Navy to have new command at Andamans|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99jan11/nation.htm#7|access-date=1 March 2013|newspaper=The Tribune|date=11 January 1999|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185326/http://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99jan11/nation.htm#7|archive-date=29 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19990111/01150405.html|title=Malacca strait|publisher=The Indian Express}}</ref> An Indian command in the islands could also counter any future threat from China, which was rumoured to have set up a surveillance post in Myanmar's [[Coco Islands#Reports of a Chinese signal gathering station|Coco Islands]], 40&nbsp;km off the northern tip of the Andamans, but this was proved incorrect.<ref>{{cite news|last=V. Pant|first=Harsh|title=China’s Naval Expansion in the Indian Ocean and India-China Rivalry|url=http://www.japanfocus.org/-Harsh_V_-Pant/3353|access-date=14 February 2014|newspaper=The Asia-Pacific Journal|date=3 May 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222203333/http://www.japanfocus.org/-Harsh_V_-Pant/3353|archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title='China a strategic partner, not a threat'|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/china-a-strategic-partner-not-a-threat-114020800515_1.html|access-date=14 February 2014|newspaper=Business Standard|date=8 February 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222221537/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/china-a-strategic-partner-not-a-threat-114020800515_1.html|archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="BurmaNetNews">[http://www.burmanet.org/news/2007/01/09/irrawaddy-chinese-whispers-the-great-coco-island-mystery-andrew-selth/ Selth, Andrew (9 January 2007) "Irrawaddy: Chinese whispers: The Great Coco Island mystery" ''BurmaNet News''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223184102/http://www.burmanet.org/news/2007/01/09/irrawaddy-chinese-whispers-the-great-coco-island-mystery-andrew-selth/ |date=23 February 2014 }}</ref>

The Andaman and Nicobar Command is commanded by a [[Three-star rank#Indian three-star ranks|Three-star officer]] (rank of [[Lieutenant General]] of the Indian Army or equivalent) who reports directly to the [[Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee]] (Chairman COSC) or [[Chief of Defence Staff (India)|CDS]] (Chief of Defense Staff) in [[New Delhi]]. The Chief of Staff of the command is a [[two-star rank#Indian two-star ranks|two-star officer]]; each component (sea, land, air) is commanded by a [[one-star rank#Indian one-star ranks|one-star officer]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pib.and.nic.in/releases/anc4day.htm |title=Press Information Bureau |publisher=Pib.and.nic.in |access-date=26 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421041015/http://pib.and.nic.in/releases/anc4day.htm |archive-date=21 April 2011  }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/03/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-indias-strategic-outpost/|title=Andaman and Nicobar Islands: India’s Strategic Outpost|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319004415/https://thediplomat.com/2014/03/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-indias-strategic-outpost/|archive-date=19 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-andaman-and-nicobar-to-become-a-major-amphibious-warfare-base-1345123|title=Andaman and Nicobar to become a major amphibious warfare base|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319030535/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-andaman-and-nicobar-to-become-a-major-amphibious-warfare-base-1345123|archive-date=19 March 2014}}</ref> The command is currently headed by [[Lieutenant General]] [[Ajai Singh (lieutenant general)|Ajai Singh]], who took command on 1 June 2021 as the 16th CINCAN.

[[File:The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in a group photograph at the Joint Services Operational Demonstration by the Integral combat platforms and forces of Andaman and Nicobar Command, at Radhanagar beach, Swaraj Dweep, Andama.jpg|thumb|right|300x300px|The President, Shri [[Ram Nath Kovind]] at the Joint Services Operational Demonstration by the Integral combat platforms and forces of Andaman and Nicobar Command, at Radhanagar beach, Swaraj Dweep, Andaman and Nicobar on February 28, 2021]]

The Naval Component is the largest component and is commanded by a Naval Commodore (one star officer). Naval vessels in the component include [[Corvette|missile corvettes]], [[amphibious warfare vessel]]s, [[landing craft]]s, [[offshore patrol vessel]]s (OPV) and [[fast attack craft]]s (FAC). [[INS Karmuk (P64)|INS Karmuk]] and [[INS Kulish (P63)|INS Kulish]], two [[Kora-class corvette]]s were re-based to Port Blair from [[Eastern Naval Command]] on 6 April 2016 and 21 December 2017 respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/andaman-islands-get-first-missile-corvette/1/636068.html|title=Andaman islands get first missile Corvette|date=6 April 2016|publisher=India Today|access-date=6 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410031019/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/andaman-islands-get-first-missile-corvette/1/636068.html|archive-date=10 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/944092274304081920|title=INS Kulish a Kora Class missile corvette with an array of missiles and guns has joined the Naval Component of the Andaman and Nicobar Command in Port Blair on 21 December 2017pic.twitter.com/ueR71CtBzs|last=DPR|date=21 December 2017|website=@SpokespersonMoD|language=en|access-date=23 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228203024/https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/944092274304081920|archive-date=28 December 2017}}</ref> [[INS Saryu (P54)|INS ''Saryu'']] and [[INS Sumedha|INS ''Sumedha'']], two [[Saryu-class patrol vessel]]s, have been based at Port Blair since 2013.<ref name="tsg4d">{{cite news|url=http://www.sunday-guardian.com/news/navy-ready-to-flex-muscles-in-south-china-sea|title=Navy ready to flex muscles in South China Sea|date=4 December 2011|newspaper=The Sunday Guardian|access-date=23 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314144436/http://www.sunday-guardian.com/news/navy-ready-to-flex-muscles-in-south-china-sea|archive-date=14 March 2014}}</ref> In addition, four [[Bangaram-class patrol vessel|''Bangaram''-class patrol vessels]], two [[Car Nicobar-class patrol vessel|''Car Nicobar''-class patrol vessels]], one [[Trinkat-class patrol vessel]], three [[Kumbhir-class tank landing ship|''Kumbhir''-class tank landing ships]], one [[Shardul-class tank landing ship|''Shardul''-class tank landing ship]], eight [[Mk. IV LCU]]s and the SDB Mk.3 large patrol craft are also deployed under the naval component.<ref name=inbaaz>{{cite web|title=New Naval Air Station 'INS Baaz' commissioned by CNS|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/press-release/new-naval-air-station-ins-baaz-commissioned-cns-0|publisher=Indian Navy|access-date=1 March 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129194103/http://indiannavy.nic.in/press-release/new-naval-air-station-ins-baaz-commissioned-cns-0|archive-date=29 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-andaman-and-nicobar-to-become-a-major-amphibious-warfare-base-1345123|title=Andaman and Nicobar to become a major amphibious warfare base|date=8 February 2010|newspaper=DNA India|access-date=19 March 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319030535/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-andaman-and-nicobar-to-become-a-major-amphibious-warfare-base-1345123|archive-date=19 March 2014}}</ref> INAS 318 with [[Dornier 228]] and Flight 321 are deployed at [[INS Utkrosh]].<ref name=":1" />

The Andaman & Nicobar region of the [[Indian Coast Guard]] also falls under the purview of the command with RHQ and 745 squadron at Port Blair, DHQ 9 at Diglipur and DHQ 10 at Campbell Bay.<ref name=br1m>{{cite web|title=Andaman and Nicobar Command|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Today/Commands/67-Andaman-And-Nicobar-Command.html|publisher=Bharat Rakshak|access-date=1 March 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406010314/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Today/Commands/67-Andaman-And-Nicobar-Command.html|archive-date=6 April 2013}}</ref><ref name=tiex9a>{{cite news|title=Detained North Korean ship’s China voyages under scanner|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/story_mobile.php?storyid=499885|access-date=1 March 2013|newspaper=the Indian Express|date=9 August 2009}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> In July 2012, the navy commissioned [[INS Baaz]], a naval air station which is located 300 nautical miles south of Port Blair and is the southernmost air station of the Indian Armed Forces.<ref name=inbaaz/> INS Jarawa at Phoenix Bay in Port Blair is the support base for the ships and the main naval and air force establishment in Port Blair.

The Andaman and Nicobar Command manages Indian engagement with regional navies of [[Southeast Asia]]. It conducts bi-annual coordinated patrols (CORPATs) with the navies of Thailand and Indonesia, the annual [[SIMBEX]] maritime exercises with Singapore, and the biennial Milan multilateral naval exercises.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/press-release/milan-2014-unequivocal-success|title=Milan 2014 : An Unequivocal Success|publisher=Indian Navy|access-date=18 March 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319013555/http://indiannavy.nic.in/press-release/milan-2014-unequivocal-success|archive-date=19 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/ins-karmuk-engaged-in-indo-thai-joint-patrol-english-news-1.1013778|title=INS Karmuk engaged in Indo-Thai joint patrol|last=Correspondent|first=Our Defence|website=Mathrubhumi|access-date=25 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426113026/http://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/ins-karmuk-engaged-in-indo-thai-joint-patrol-english-news-1.1013778|archive-date=26 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/content/27th-india-indonesia-coordinated-patrol-corpat|title=27th India – Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) {{!}} Indian Navy|website=indiannavy.nic.in|access-date=1 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430121056/http://indiannavy.nic.in/content/27th-india-indonesia-coordinated-patrol-corpat|archive-date=30 April 2016}}</ref> The Command also patrols India's exclusive economic zone to suppress gun running, narcotics smuggling, piracy, and poaching, and conducts maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.<ref>{{cite news|title=Andaman and Nicobar Islands, remote Indian archipelago, now part of MH370 hunt|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/03/14/an-introduction-to-the-andaman-and-nicobar-islands-a-remote-indian-archipelago-now-part-of-the-hunt-for-mh370/|access-date=18 March 2014|newspaper=Washington Post|date=14 March 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317234149/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/03/14/an-introduction-to-the-andaman-and-nicobar-islands-a-remote-indian-archipelago-now-part-of-the-hunt-for-mh370/|archive-date=17 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Jeff M. Smith|title=Andaman and Nicobar Islands: India’s Strategic Outpost|url=https://thediplomat.com/2014/03/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-indias-strategic-outpost/|publisher=The Diplomat|access-date=18 March 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319004415/https://thediplomat.com/2014/03/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-indias-strategic-outpost/|archive-date=19 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Why has India blocked foreign tsunami aid to the Nicobar and Andaman islands?|url=http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2005/01/anda-j25.html|access-date=18 March 2014|newspaper=wsws.org|date=25 January 2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317090746/http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2005/01/anda-j25.html|archive-date=17 March 2014}}</ref>

* [https://thediplomat.com/2014/03/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-indias-strategic-outpost/ ''Andaman and Nicobar Islands: India’s Strategic Outpost'', The Diplomat, Jeff M. Smith, 18 March 2014]