Indian Navy plans to establish Forward Observation Posts in strategically located Andaman and Nicobar Islands to serve as a first line of defence along the eastern seaboard. Director General (Naval Projects) Vice Admiral V.K. Namballa told reporters here on Saturday, 29 September 2012, that over 1,200 islands on the Andaman and Nicobar stretch were being analysed for setting up the posts.
India’s forward presence in the eastern Indian Ocean is enabled by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The location and geography of these Islands impart them with immense strategic importance.
Indian Naval Air Station "INS Baaz" at Nicobar, commissioned in July 2012 ( Image Courtesy - defenceexpress )
The Navy is strengthening its fleet in the Eastern Naval Command with warships of Shivalik and Kamorta class. A Memorandum of Understanding is also being signed with private ports for enabling operations of naval ships in the hour of need, he said.
The proximity of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the busy shipping lanes, especially Malacca strait, provides India with an opportunity to play an important role in the security of the sea lines of communication. Location of these islands are close to the South East Asian countries which enables India to engage South East Asia in a far more efficient manner, compared from Indian Mainland. It also helps India in keeping abreast of the political and military developments in its extended neighbourhood.
News Courtesy - thehindu.com and idsa.in
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