The defence minister’s go to to the islands is just not solely aimed toward offering a strategic signalling, given the proximity of those far-flung islands to the Indo-Pacific, but in addition at boosting the morale of the troops deployed on the distant islands, stated the ministry.

The army command on the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago helps India maintain a detailed watch on main choke factors or the ocean strains of communication (SLOC) within the Bay of Bengal — the Malacca Strait, Sunda Strait and the Ombai-Wetar Straits — from the place a lot of the world’s transport commerce passes via. Established in 2001, the 21-year-old army command is an Integrated Theatre Command — a army reform underneath manner on the nationwide degree at current.

In his two-day, maiden go to as defence minister to the headquarters of the one built-in quad-services command of the nation in Port Blair, Singh reviewed operational preparedness of Andaman & Nicobar Command and infrastructure growth on the islands.

He additionally visited the ANC Joint Operations Centre (JOC), additionally known as the nerve centre for built-in planning for surveillance, conduct of operations and logistic assist, and interacted with the troops deployed on the islands.

On Friday, Singh will go to Indira Point at Campbell Bay — the southernmost tip of the Great Nicobar Islands — which is separated from Indonesia by the 163-km large Six Degree channel via which all transport site visitors from the Malacca strait to the West passes. It is estimated that this contains the vast majority of Chinese transport, making it an important strategic level for India.

The Campbell Bay airfield helps India in finishing up frequent surveillance operations throughout the Indian Ocean. It can also be slated to turn into a significant trans-shipment hub for India and neighbouring nations.

The defence minister additionally reviewed a Quad-Service Guard of Honour and visited Sankalp Smarak, the placement of Netaji’s historic arrival on December 29, 1943, the ministry assertion stated.