Given the strategic importance of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Government has ramped up development of Defence infrastructure in the region — including ports, harbours and airfields to increase the capability for reconnaissance and securing the vital sea lanes in the Indian Ocean, Navy chief Admiral RK Dhowan said here on Thursday.
He also said the Navy has factored in its operational planning the growing maritime ties between China and Pakistan including China developing Gwadar port adding the Service also analysed threat perception in the Indian Ocean region.
Sharing these points during the annual news conference on the eve of the Navy Day on Friday, Dhowan said India has a tri-service command working well in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He made this observation when asked if the Navy has taken note of China’s recent announcement to have a joint operational command in the next few years.
Elaborating upon the strategic importance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he said this region overlooks vital sea lanes and choke points crucial for India’s economy and trade. More than 1,00,000 merchant ships pass through the waters in close proximity to Andaman and Nicobar every year including 70,000 ships sailing through Malacca Straits. This lane is also close to the Islands and most of the oil imports for China also pass through it.
In this backdrop, Dhowan said development and enhancement of ports and harbours besides extending runways of airbases is on at a rapid pace to ensure that the Services are able to protect the region.
India enjoys maritime advantage in the seas around Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to proximity to Malacca Straits and can choke imports to China in case of a conflict.
Fielding a question about China’s recent announcement to redeploy its naval assets in international waters and developing Gwadar port, Dhowan said this collaboration is “known to everyone and not a new” issue.