New command to control major sea lanes

By Atul Aneja

NEW DELHI, AUG. 28. The strategic Andaman and Nicobar command, which is likely to be established by next month-end, will fall directly under the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the single point military adviser to the Government. The CDS role will also be central in executing any political decision related to nuclear weapons.

The command derives its importance from its location. Headquartered at Port Blair, the command will be in a position to exert influence over the sea lanes on which huge oil tankers, heading from the Persian Gulf towards South-East Asia and Japan sail.

By placing ships and aircraft in the Andaman and Nicobar group, India will be well-positioned to guarantee the smooth entry to ships heading towards the Strait of Malacca, the principal gateway to South-East Asia through the gap between the Malaya peninsula and Indonesia.

The Government also plans to set up a full-fledged air base on the Nicobar islands. By positioning planes there, the IAF will, for the first time, acquire a regional sweep. The Government is keen that the IAF begins fighter operations from the island territories. The IAF, however, favours launching operations only from the mainland. The island territories under the A and N command will also be ideal for the launch of surveillance missions the area.

While addressing issues related to nuclear command and control, the Government is currently considering the question of political control over the nuclear button.

It is logical that the Prime Minister will have the final say in any decision related to nuclear weapons. But the political hierarchy for taking decisions , in case he fails, for some reason, to do so is far from clear.

As of now, a decision has been taken to hand over the Agni-2 strategic missile to the Army while the aircraft which can deliver atomic weapons will be with the IAF.

The CDS will head the chain of operational command of nuclear forces. He will be advised by a Vice-Chief of Defence Staff (VCDS). The VCDS will have four deputy chiefs, for operations, planning, intelligence and medical services under him. The commander of the tri-service strategic command will also function under the VCDS.

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