Securing the Straits: A Look at India’s Military Presence in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Standing guard in the strategically significant Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Andaman and Nicobar 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 single command structure, ensuring swift and coordinated response to any threats in the region.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a strategically located archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, form a vital part of India’s defense apparatus.  This article explores the existing bases of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard in the region, along with insights into their ongoing modernization efforts. Sri Vijaya Puram is the new name for Port Blair and has been used in the article.

Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman)

INS Jarawa: While INS Jarawa is often recognized as a prominent Indian naval base, its capabilities extend far beyond housing and supporting warships. Located strategically in Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, INS Jarawa serves as a multifaceted hub playing a crucial role in the region’s security and community life.

At its heart, INS Jarawa remains a vital naval base. It provides essential logistical support and infrastructure for Indian Navy ships operating in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. This includes facilities for berthing, repairs, and resupply, ensuring the operational readiness of these vessels for maritime patrol, surveillance, and safeguarding India’s territorial integrity. Two floating dock navy (FDN-1 & FDN-2) of nearly 40,000 tonnes are also operated to dock many vessels under the A&N Command.

INS Utkrosh: Joint Naval & Airforce Station, this shares its facilities with Veer Savarkar International Airport in Sri Vijaya Puram. Nestled in the Bay of Bengal, INS Utkrosh holds immense strategic importance. It acts as a crucial platform for the Indian Navy to safeguard India’s maritime interests in the region. The station facilitates the deployment of maritime patrol aircraft, fighter jets, and transport planes, enabling them to conduct surveillance missions, combat threats, and provide logistical support. Chetak, Dhruv, Do228 squadrons are permanently deployed here. 

Recognizing the need for enhanced operational capabilities, INS Utkrosh has undergone significant modernization initiatives.  These include the installation of a new airfield lighting system, a Cat II approach lighting system, and a precision approach path indicator. Additionally, a precision approach radar has been incorporated, significantly improving the station’s ability to handle aircraft recovery during emergencies and adverse weather conditions. This collaborative effort between the Indian Navy and the Andaman and Nicobar Command ensures the station remains at the forefront of technological advancements.

Campbell Bay (Nicobar) 

INS Baaz: INS Baaz is an Indian naval air station strategically located on Great Nicobar Island, the southernmost island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Commissioned in 2012, INS Baaz holds immense significance due to its remote southern location. It overlooks the Strait of Malacca, a vital shipping lane for international trade, and the Six Degree Channel, a key passage between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The air station serves as a platform for deploying maritime patrol aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance missions across the vast expanse of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

INS Baaz is equipped with modern infrastructure to support various military operations. The air station boasts a runway capable of handling fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Additionally, it houses support facilities for personnel stationed at the base. The air station deploys maritime patrol aircraft such as the Dornier Do 228 and P-8I Poseidon, as well as utility helicopters like the Sea King and ALH Dhruv.

INS Campbell Bay: The Government of India is working to create a small Operational Turn-around base at Campbell Bay which will allow it to support various ships and submarines of the Indian Navy. 

Diglipur (North Andaman)

INS Kohassa: Nestled in the North Andaman, INS Kohassa is a vital Indian naval air station that plays a key role in safeguarding the archipelago and its surrounding waters. Originally established in 2001 as a Forward Operating Air Base (FOAB) named NAS Shibpur, it was commissioned as INS Kohassa in 2019.

The air station’s location holds immense strategic importance. It sits close to the Coco Islands of Myanmar and overlooks a vast expanse of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This proximity allows for swifter responses to potential maritime threats and better monitoring of crucial shipping lanes in the Bay of Bengal.

Plans are underway to transform INS Kohassa into a full-fledged air station with a dedicated commanding officer, fuel storage facilities, and repair workshops. The runway is also slated for expansion, potentially reaching 3000 meters in length, enabling it to accommodate larger aircraft. 

Kamorta (Nicobar)

INS Kardip: INS Kardip is a forward operating base (FOB) of the Indian Navy, strategically positioned on Kamorta Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This forward base plays a key role in patrolling the territorial waters, deterring unauthorized access, and safeguarding India’s maritime interests in the southern Andaman Sea. 

INS Kardip’s significance lies in its ability to project naval power closer to potential threats.  The base serves as a launchpad for patrol boats and other smaller vessels tasked with regular surveillance and patrolling missions. This proactive approach strengthens India’s maritime domain awareness (MDA) and allows for a swift response to any maritime security threats that may arise in the region.

In February 2024, during a visit by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar, the inauguration of a new Naval Communication Network (NCN) Center at INS Kardip was announced. This upgrade strengthens real-time communication capabilities, enhancing operational efficiency and coordination within the ANC.

INDIAN AIRFORCE

Air Force Station Car Nicobar: Car Nicobar Air Force Station, located on Car Nicobar Island in India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a vital element of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strategic presence in the Bay of Bengal. The station plays a crucial role in maintaining air superiority and surveillance in the Indian Ocean region.  Its location allows the IAF to effectively monitor the movement of ships and aircraft in the strategically significant Andaman Sea and strategically respond to any potential threats. The station also supports other branches of the Indian armed forces, including the Indian Navy, Army, and Coast Guard.

As India focuses on strengthening its maritime security and influence in the Indo-Pacific region, Car Nicobar is certain to play an increasingly important role in the years to come. IAF has permanent deployment here in the form of Mi-17 helicopters along with regular flights of An-32 and Avro flights connecting neighboring islands. Pawan Hans also operates from the base regularly providing helicopter services.  

INDIAN ARMY

The strategically vital Andaman and Nicobar Islands, sentinels guarding the entrance to the Malacca Strait, see a crucial presence – the Indian Army. As part of the unified Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), the Army plays a vital role in securing this island chain. 

The Indian Army doesn’t publicly disclose the specific locations of its bases. However, it is well-known that the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), a tri-service theater command, oversees a significant army presence on the islands. It is estimated that the Indian Army has around 3 battalions along with 1 battalion of Territorial Army spread across the Island chain. 

Beyond its well-trained soldiers, the Army in the Andamans boasts a potent arsenal designed for island defense. Here’s a glimpse into their weaponry:

• 105mm Field Guns: These light artillery pieces provide fire support for ground forces, deterring potential threats and engaging targets with precision. They are easily transportable by land, air and sea.

• BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicles: These armored workhorses offer protection and firepower for troops on the move. Combining a 30mm autocannon and anti-tank missiles, they excel in close-quarter combat and provide crucial support during offensives. The IFV has unique amphibious capabilities allowing it to be used in beaching operations. 

• T-72 Ajeya: Adding muscle to the Army’s defensive line-up is the T-72 Ajeya, a formidable main battle tank. This indigenously produced variant of the Soviet T-72 boasts a powerful 125mm smoothbore cannon, capable of delivering firepower against armored vehicles and fortifications.  The Ajeya’s composite armor provides a good level of protection against enemy fire, making it a potent weapon system in the island’s defense strategy.

• Igla Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPADS): These shoulder-fired missiles act as a shield against enemy aircraft, helicopters, and drones, safeguarding the islands’ airspace.  

This is not an exhaustive list, but it highlights the Army’s capability to engage in various combat scenarios. The Army’s Brigade, stationed in the Andamans, is specially trained for island warfare. They possess the skills and experience to navigate the challenging terrain and operate effectively within the island ecosystem.

The Army’s forward presence allows for swift response to any security threats or natural disasters that may befall the islands. Plans are in place to increase the number of Army personnel stationed in the islands, ensuring a robust defense posture.

INDIAN COAST GUARD

Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman)

ICGS Port Blair: The Coast Guard Region (A&N) in Sri Vijaya Puram is responsible for the entire coastline of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, encompassing over 572 islands. This vast area stretches from Landfall Island in the north to Indira Point in the south. The Coast Guard at Sri Vijaya Puram facilitates communication between mainland India and the island territories, and also maintains communication with ships at sea.

The Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessels stationed at Sri Vijaya Puram are well-equipped for these tasks. The  Vishwast-class offshore patrol vessels, ICGS Vishwast and ICGS Vijit, which are homeported at Sri Vijaya Puram are designed for patrolling, policing maritime zones, search and rescue operations, and have a range of over 4,500 nautical miles.

CGAE Port Blair: The Coast Guard Air Enclave at Sri Vijaya Puram is an aviation facility operated by the Indian Coast Guard in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It’s a smaller facility compared to a full air station and is primarily used for staging post for Dornier Do 228 aircraft transiting between Coast Guard bases and as a temporary shore base for HAL Chetak & HAL Dhruv helicopters for maritime patrol and search and rescue operations.

ICGS Hutbay: ICGS Hutbay is a base for the Indian Coast Guard located on Hut Bay, Little Andaman in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was commissioned in January 2017. ICGS Hutbay plays a role in efforts for coastal cleanliness, participating in the International Coastal Cleanup day. The base has been instrumental in strengthening security in the remote Little Andaman island. In April 2017, two interceptor ships, C-412 and C-150, were permanently stationed at ICGS Hutbay to enhance patrolling and response times.

Diglipur (North Andaman)

ICGS Diglipur: ICGS Diglipur stands tall as a crucial Indian Coast Guard (ICG) station guarding the North Andaman Sea. Located on the island of Diglipur, it plays a vital role in ensuring the maritime security and safety of this remote yet ecologically rich region.

Diglipur is prone to natural disasters like cyclones and tsunamis. The ICG plays a crucial role in disaster preparedness, response, and relief efforts, ensuring the safety and well-being of island inhabitants during such emergencies. 

The ICG’s presence at Diglipur holds strategic importance due to the island’s location.  Situated close to the Myanmar border, it acts as a deterrent against transnational crimes at sea.  In 2022, the augmentation of ships at Diglipur further bolstered India’s maritime security posture in the region. 

ICGS Mayabunder: ICGS Mayabunder is a key Indian Coast Guard (ICG) station situated in Mayabunder, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. While Mayabunder may be the second-largest port after Sri Vijaya Puram in Andaman, the ICG presence there ensures the safety and security of the surrounding waters.

ICGS Mayabunder plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests in the central Andaman Sea. Their core responsibilities include patrolling and surveillance, SAR and environmental protection of the Andaman Sea. Mayabunder’s central location within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands makes it strategically significant. The ICG presence here strengthens India’s maritime security posture in the region. 

Campbell Bay (Nicobar)

ICGS Campbell Bay: ICGS Campbell Bay is a vital Indian Coast Guard (ICG) station located on the southern tip of Great Nicobar Island, India. It plays a critical role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The primary function of ICGS Campbell Bay is to uphold maritime security and law enforcement within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the southern Andaman Sea. This included patrolling and surveillance, Search and Rescue (SAR) and Pollution Response.  

Campbell Bay’s geographical location makes it strategically important. Situated close to the international border with Myanmar and Thailand, it acts as a deterrent against transnational crimes at sea. The rebasing of ICG ships at Campbell Bay in 2021 further strengthened India’s maritime security posture in the region.

Kamorta (Nicobar)

ICGS Kamorta: The Indian Coast Guard Station (ICGS) Kamorta is a key player in fortifying the maritime security of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It functions as a central hub for coordinating vital operations. These include immediate response to emergencies at sea, be it distress calls or medical situations. The station also plays a crucial role in anti-poaching efforts and safeguarding the delicate marine environment of the Nicobar Islands. Additionally, ICGS Kamorta serves as a vital support base for Coast Guard ships deployed in the Southern Islands, providing them with the resources they need to efficiently carry out their duties.

Concluding remarks

In conclusion, the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) stands as a strategic lynchpin for India’s future defense posture.  Its unique location fosters seamless inter-service cooperation, a critical ingredient for effective Joint Special Operations Forces (SOF). By fostering a culture of jointmanship, the ANC can serve as a model for integrating SOF elements from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This unified approach will empower India to address the complex security challenges of the Indo-Pacific with greater agility and precision. Investing in the ANC’s infrastructure, training, and technology will be paramount in unlocking its full potential as a cornerstone of India’s future joint SOF capability.