Union Home Minister Amit Shah chairs Parliamentary panel meeting in Andamans; discusses national security issues

The recent meeting of a Parliamentary panel chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) underscores India's strategic imperatives concerning its island territories. This gathering, focusing on national security, disaster management, cyber security, and regional infrastructure, is not merely a routine administrative exercise but a significant signal of the government's enhanced focus on these geopolitically vital islands.

**Background Context and What Happened:**

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an archipelago of over 572 islands, islets, and rocks, are strategically located at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. They lie close to the Malacca Strait, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, making them crucial for India's maritime security and trade interests. Historically, these islands have been significant, serving as a penal colony during British rule (Cellular Jail). Post-independence, their strategic importance grew, especially with the 'Look East' (now 'Act East') policy and increasing geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The 2004 Tsunami highlighted their vulnerability to natural disasters and the need for robust disaster management infrastructure. The meeting chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah, likely a session of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, aimed to review and deliberate upon critical issues directly impacting the security, resilience, and development of this Union Territory.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

The primary stakeholder is the **Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)**, led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which is the nodal ministry for internal security, border management (including maritime borders), disaster management, cyber security policy, and the administration of Union Territories. The **Parliamentary Standing Committee** involved provides legislative oversight, scrutinizing government policies and their implementation. The **Andaman and Nicobar Administration** is crucial for on-ground implementation and governance. The **Indian Armed Forces**, particularly the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, and the unique **Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC)** – India's only integrated tri-service command (established in 2001) – are key players in national security and disaster response in the region. Other ministries like the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (for cyber security), and Ministry of Shipping (for infrastructure) also have vested interests.

**Significance for India:**

The meeting's agenda reflects India's multi-faceted approach to securing its strategic interests. From a **geopolitical perspective**, ANI serves as India's forward operating base in the eastern IOR, enabling surveillance, power projection, and safeguarding sea lines of communication. This is crucial amidst China's growing footprint in the IOR. Enhancing **national security** here involves strengthening naval and air assets, coastal surveillance, and rapid response capabilities against piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime terrorism. **Disaster management** is paramount given the islands' susceptibility to seismic activity and cyclones. Developing resilient infrastructure and early warning systems is vital for protecting lives and property. **Cyber security** is increasingly critical to protect sensitive communication networks, defence installations, and critical infrastructure from state and non-state actors. Finally, **regional infrastructure development** (e.g., ports, airports, roads, and digital connectivity like the Submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) project inaugurated in 2020) is essential for economic growth, tourism, improving the quality of life for islanders, and facilitating military logistics.

**Historical Context and Future Implications:**

Historically, ANI's development has seen periods of neglect and renewed focus. The post-2004 Tsunami period saw significant investment in disaster preparedness. More recently, the 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and 'Act East' policy have put ANI at the heart of India's Indo-Pacific strategy. The future implications include continued investment in dual-use infrastructure, strengthening of the ANC, enhanced maritime domain awareness, and deeper engagement with regional partners like ASEAN nations. However, this must be balanced with environmental protection, sustainable development, and safeguarding the rights of indigenous tribes (e.g., Jarawas, Sentinelese) under various acts like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation, 1956.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, or Policies:**

The administration of ANI falls under **Article 239** of the Constitution, which deals with the administration of Union Territories. The President, acting through an administrator (Lieutenant Governor in this case), governs UTs, with the MHA playing a supervisory role. **The Disaster Management Act, 2005**, provides the legal framework for disaster management in India, including the formation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs). The discussions also relate to India's **National Maritime Security Policy**, the broader **Act East Policy**, and the **National Cyber Security Policy, 2013**. Furthermore, environmental regulations like the **Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification** are crucial for any infrastructure development on the islands, ensuring ecological balance.