Economy GS 3 In the news 5 times

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Strategic Geography

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a chain of over 572 islands in the Bay of Bengal, forming India's strategic outpost at the confluence of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Great Nicobar, the southernmost island, lies just 90 km from the Strait of Malacca — through which nearly 40% of global trade passes.

Key details

The islands are administered as a Union Territory
They straddle the east-west shipping lane connecting the Middle East, Africa, and Europe to East Asia
Galathea Bay's natural water depth of over 20 metres eliminates dredging constraints for large container ships
The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India's only tri-services command, is headquartered at Port Blair

In the news

● Tracked since March 13, 2026 · last seen June 20, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

20 Jun '26

Great Nicobar Project: India's Strategic and Economic Masterstroke

Economics

17 May '26

Great Nicobar Project: Experts Warn of Ecological Disaster, Call for Defence Rethink

Environment & Ecology

23 Apr '26

India and Japan Deepen Defence Cooperation as China Remains Common Strategic Concern

International Relations

14 Mar '26