[Answered] Discuss the potential benefits and challenges of bolstering the Andaman and Nicobar Command.

 A theatre command is a type of military organisation where a three-star general has operational command over all army, air force, and naval assets in a specific area of operations. India’s strategic interests in Southeast Asia and the Strait of Malacca are covered by Andaman &Nicobar Command (ANC), the first and only tri-service theatre command of the Indian Armed Forces, which is situated in Port Blair. ANC is also in charge of protecting India’s interests in the Eastern Indian Ocean by establishing an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the islands.

What are the challenges before ANC?

• Relation with China: strengthening the ANC can lead to China seeing it as a sign of belligerence which can lead to militarization of the Indian Ocean by the Chinese Navy.
• Slow implementation of reform: ANC model of theatre commands still has not been replicated successfully. Some committees have even suggested the abolition of ANC and the command be subsumed by Eastern Naval Command.
• Chinese influence in the region: Even if India manages to maintain dominance in the region the islands are located near Great Coco Island and Little Coco Island of Myanmar which is heavily influenced by China.
• Bureaucratic mindset: Concern in Delhi about armed forces becoming too powerful leads to neglect of military reforms and a lethargic attitude and restraining policymakers to take a proactive approach.
• Build Capabilities: Need to build capacities for defending against military intrusions, tracking hostile ships, submarines, and drones, and launching response attacks when needed.

What are the benefits of ANC?

• Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): India has conceptualized its MDA which extends India’s defense capabilities beyond its homeland and prepares India for expanding its role.
• Net security provider: India is seen by many nations like Australia, Small Island States, and the ASEAN group as being a net security provider as opposed to China’s hegemony in the region.
• Model for reform: ANC model has tested the feasibility of joint commands, logistics, and operational procedures as proposed by defence committees which could lead to increased efficiency, rationalization of command structure and army organised on modern lines as in developed nations.
• Cooperation with like-minded nations: India can enhance military preparedness by doing military exercises like Malabar, and cooperating in QUAD, AUKUS.
• Developing ANC: ANC can be developed into headquarters for QUAD navies, with a focus on operations like disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, medical aid, submarine and aircraft rescue, and maritime security operations.

Conclusion:

ANC has a crucial role in India’s maritime strategy to act as a power balancer in the Indian Ocean and keep sea lines of communication open in the Malacca Strait. ANC must be replicated in other parts of India and be maintained as independent theatre command.