A&N island through a strategic lens(Indian Express)

Context: New thrust on developing strategic infrastructure, both civilian and military, on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

• Location, near key maritime choke points like the Malacca Strait.
• Provide India substantial ocean space under UNCLOS
• Share international maritime boundaries with Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.
• Serve as the first line of defense against potential maritime threats from the East.

Slow infrastructure development has been attributed to

• Delayed realization of strategic significance, distance from the mainland, environmental clearances, and coordination challenges.

The way ahead:

• Strategic infrastructure development should focus on:
• Surveillance, deterrence against naval misadventure,
• Bolstering maritime economy, improving transportation,
• Reducing dependence on mainland support,
• Prioritizing key projects like airfields, ports, and road networks.
• Development efforts can be expedited through :
• International collaboration,
• Leveraging international arrangements like the Quad and IPOI,
• Streamlining environmental clearances.

Source: Indian Express