In a major strategic development, India has deployed military personnel across 572 uninhabited islands of the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago, significantly expanding its presence in one of the most sensitive and strategically crucial maritime zones of the Indo-Pacific.
Officials indicate that the move aims to counter growing security challenges, strengthen surveillance over critical sea lanes, and prevent external forces—particularly China—from expanding their footprint in the Indian Ocean Region.
Tri-Service Deployment Under Andaman & Nicobar Command
The entire operation falls under the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s only tri-service command, which integrates the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
Until recently, military deployment was concentrated largely on the 31 inhabited islands.
Over time, forces were gradually positioned on additional islands, and now the deployment extends to nearly all 572 uninhabited islands, marking one of the most significant expansions of India’s maritime security architecture.
The enhanced deployment includes mixed units from all three services, enabling joint operations, real-time intelligence sharing, and rapid response capability across the vast island chain.
Infrastructure upgrades—including extended airstrips, strengthened jetties, logistics hubs, radar stations, and communication grids—are underway to support continuous operations.
Why the Islands Matter: Strategic and Geopolitical Importance
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands lie close to Myanmar, Indonesia, and Thailand, forming the easternmost perimeter of India’s strategic reach.
Even more crucial is their proximity to the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints, through which more than 80% of global east–west trade and energy shipments flow.
India’s increased military footprint is designed to monitor naval activity, especially Chinese vessels that frequently transit through the region.
Concerns have grown over China’s expanding naval presence, suspected overseas bases, and increasing attempts to influence the Indian Ocean maritime environment.
By strengthening its island defenses, India aims to deter any attempts to shift the regional balance.
Addressing Security Risks: Terrorism, Illegal Activities, and External Threats
Earlier intelligence assessments had warned that some uninhabited islands could be exploited as hideouts or operational zones by terrorist networks or international poaching groups.
The new round-the-clock military deployment is expected to neutralize such risks, ensuring that no hostile elements can use these remote territories for illegal or covert activities.
Additionally, the islands play a vital role in India’s broader anti-submarine warfare strategy.
Military aircraft and naval vessels deployed here routinely track foreign submarines and surface ships approaching from Southeast Asia, enhancing India’s situational awareness in the Indo-Pacific.
Economic and Resource Significance
Beyond security, the islands hold enormous economic potential. Surveys indicate significant hydrocarbon reserves beneath the surrounding seabed.
To facilitate exploration and commercial operations in these remote waters, the islands require robust security cover, logistical support, and infrastructure—all of which the current military expansion helps establish.
The islands are also central to upcoming development projects that aim to transform the region into a major maritime, aviation, and logistics hub—further elevating the need for a strong defense presence.
Recent Developments Strengthening Military Readiness
- India temporarily closed portions of the airspace over the islands earlier this year to conduct high-altitude weapon tests, showcasing enhanced deterrence capability.
- A major inter-island missile test took place recently, demonstrating the military’s ability to conduct precision operations across the archipelago.
- Security forces carried out a coordinated multi-agency operation that resulted in the detention of foreign poachers using remote parts of the islands, reinforcing maritime law enforcement.
- Environmental and strategic debates continue around major infrastructure plans, including the multi-billion-dollar Great Nicobar Island development project, which seeks to upgrade ports, airstrips, and logistics capacities for both civilian and defense needs.
- Volcanic activity near Barren Island—India’s only active volcano—led to minor tremors in the region, prompting monitoring and readiness measures by defense and disaster agencies.
India’s Stronger Indo-Pacific Posture
The deployment across 572 uninhabited islands marks a decisive step in strengthening India’s maritime defense shield.
With a tri-service military structure, enhanced surveillance capability, and expanding infrastructure, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are rapidly evolving into a major strategic fortress.
This development reflects India’s long-term commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, securing critical sea routes, countering adversarial expansion, and playing a more assertive role in shaping the Indo-Pacific security landscape.
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