Kolkata, Oct 11 — A Strategic Leaders' Conclave was organised at the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) on Sunday, as part of the Command's Silver Jubilee celebrations.
The conclave saw former ANC Commanders-in-Chief and senior military leaders deliberate the developments that have taken place over the last 25 years and the path ahead.
"Deliberations focused on the evolving strategic significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), emerging maritime challenges and the future role of ANC in advancing India's maritime interests and strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific," the ANC said in a statement.
ANC is the only Tri-services Command in the country that was created to protect the strategic archipelago, located nearly 1,200 km from the mainland.
The island chain is close to the Strait of Malacca that connects the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Nearly 35-40 per cent of the world's shipborne cargo, including oil and gas from the Middle East, moves through this vital choke point.
China moves nearly 80 per cent of its crude imports through the Strait of Malacca.
This allows China's military assets to patrol the area, close to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The island chain is unique. Of the 836 islands in the archipelago, only 31 are inhabited. This makes management of its defence difficult.
"Constant vigil has to be maintained. That is why the Navy, Air Force and Army has assets and work in coordination. The Indian Coast Guard also plays its role along the coast. There has to be completed synergy between all the components. This involves regular interactions and intelligence sharing. Jointmanship is crucial," an official said.
The experiences of the Tri-services Command are crucial at a time when India is planning theatre commands.
"There is the regular movement of poachers, smugglers and traffickers from Bangladesh and Myanmar that has to be checked. The rich, but fragile marine ecosystem around the islands has to be protected. Monitoring is also required to prevent the islands from being used by insurgent groups from other countries," the official added.
As if that was not enough, the ANC regularly participates in marine search and rescue operations. It also evacuates ill or injured seafarers from merchant vessels passing the area.
The Command is also mandated to maintain checks on pollution. All of this is not easy when one considers that the islands are heavily dependent on the mainland, even for basics.
Even electricity is generated on the islands by generators running on diesel sent from the mainland.
Recently, the island chain ran out of potatoes after a ship carrying a load developed engine trouble and had to return to Kolkata.
"The conclave also deliberated on the Command's vision, future planning and priorities for the next 25 years. It reaffirmed ANC's vision as a strategic frontier and maritime arc of power," the Command said.