Centre to set up tri-services command at Andaman

In its endeavour to become a regional power, this is the trade route that India wants to protect. "Gun running, smuggling, piracy on high seas, narcotics trade and the use of some of the uninhabited islands as dumping grounds by the LTTE, the Myanmarese rebels and now even suspected Indonesian rebels is a cause for worry. With the current strength, we are unable to control it effectively," sources in the Naval Headquarters said.

Though the Navy is crestfallen at not being given the overall command of the new dispensation at Andaman, sources say command-by-rotation is better. Presently, the Andaman islands and the region are protected by the Fortress Commander Andaman (FORTAN), a Vice Admiral.

"Though there is a brigade of the Army under him, the Indian Air Force (IAF) operates independently, though in consultation with the FORTAN. There is an amphibious unit of the Army for sea-borne operations. The IAF has a helicopter unit in the Nicobar islands and a liaison unit in Andaman islands," an official said.

The increased force levels would mean more men and material at the disposal of the Command, including more helicopters, gun ships and even fighter aircraft, sources said. When the new tri-services command is set up, three star generals of the Army, Navy and the Air Force will command by rotation.

India is also attempting to forge closer ties with the Indian ocean rim countries in its long-term plan to emerge as the dominating power in the region. Joint exercises with the navies of Japan, Indonesia among other countries, firming relations with countries like Vietnam and engaging neighbours like Myanmar are all a part of the "look east" policy.

"In this century, power comes not from colonisation but from the economy. Malacca straits is the busiest trade route and is affected by piracy and smuggling. The trade route passes barely 30 miles from our territory. When we check this menace, we dominate the economic scene and also help tilt trade in our favour," said an official elaborating on the importance of the step.

The Navy sees a larger role for itself but in tandem with the Air Force for effective surveillance both by air and sea. The increased Army strength would be for protection and patrolling of the islands. "We will take charge and can keep China out of the Indian ocean region," said an official talking of Chinese presence in the Myanmarese Coco Islands.

Rear Admiral Menon, however, feels that China has no role in the region. "India should make its stand very clear in case China has any pretensions," he added.