Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the Indian Eastern Seaboard

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) occupy a uniquely strategic position at the mouth of the Bay of Bengal, forming one of the most strategically located island chains in the world. Positioned close to the Strait of Malacca, these 572 islands serve as the first land connection from the Strait and overlook one of the world's busiest sea lines of communication. As the Indo-Pacific becomes the new theatre of great power contestation in the 21st century, the Andaman Sea will no longer remain the tranquil backwater it has been for the past two centuries. This comprehensive volume brings together accomplished academicians and practitioners to examine the multifaceted importance of the ANI through three distinct sections: history, geography, and tradition; security dimensions; and economic development and connectivity. The volume adopts a multidisciplinary approach, relying on substantial primary sources and combining theoretical frameworks with situational assessments. It addresses critical, yet understudied, aspects, including maritime boundaries with Indonesia and Myanmar, marine ecosystems, underwater domain awareness, power projection capabilities, and blue economy potential. This volume is essential reading for students, researchers, academicians, policymakers, and think tanks engaged in South Asian studies, maritime security, Indo-Pacific affairs, strategic studies, and international relations. It provides invaluable insights for understanding India's maritime profile and the geostrategic significance of the ANI in contemporary global affairs.

Adluri Subramanyam Raju, Ph.D., former Dean, International Relations, is Professor in the Centre for South Asian Studies and Coordinator of the UGC Centre for Maritime Studies at Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India.

Introduction Part 1: Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Strategic Significance 1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Geopolitical and Developmental Dimensions 2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Strategic Importance for India 3. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: India's Eastern Maritime Pivot Part 2: Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Security Dimension 4. Maritime Crimes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands 5. Balancing Power and Preservation: Strategic Development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands 6. Andaman and Nicobar Command: A Watchtower in the Region 7. Strategic Importance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Backdrop of Chinese Maritime Expansion Part 3: Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Connectivity and Development 8. Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India's Maritime Connectivity 9. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Developmental Projects 10. Andamans and India's Energy Security 11. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Maritime Domain Awareness Framework 12. Traditional Knowledge of Andaman and Nicobar Tribes: Sea and Forest