| Syllabus: GS-III, Subject: Internal Security, Topic: Border Management, Issue: Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
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.
