Geo-Strategic Importance of Andaman and Nicobar

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands extend from 6° to 14° North latitudes and from 92° to 94° East longitudes. It is a union territory of India consisting of 572, with total area 8,249 Sq Kms located at the junction of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea in Indian Ocean Region(IOR). Only 38 Islands are permanently inhabited. The territory is about 150 km north of Aceh in Indonesia and separated from Thailand and Myanmar by the Andaman Sea.

It comprises two island groups, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands, separated by the 150 km wide Ten Degree Channel (on the 10°N parallel), with the Andaman islands to the north of this latitude, and the Nicobar islands to the south by 179 km. The highest point, Saddle Peak is 732 m (2,402 ft) high and located in North Andaman Island. Ten Degree Channel, is an important shipping lane of IOR.

The islands host the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the only tri-service geographical command of the Indian Armed Forces.

Historical Prospective

During World War II, the strategically important Andaman and Nicobar Islands of British Indian Empire came under the partial control of Japanese forces. In November 1943, Japan handed over Andaman and Nicobar Islands to to the government and INA(Indian National Army) of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. It remained nominally under the authority of the Arzi Hukumate Azad Hind of Subhash Chandra Bose. Netaji visited the islands during the war and rename the Andaman Islands as ‘Shaheed’ and Nicobar Islands as ‘Swaraj’ Island respectively. In March 1944, the Headquarters of the Civil Administration was established near the gurdwara at Aberdeen Bazaar, Port Blair. Colonel Loganathan of INA, was made the Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, after the defeat and surrender of Japanese forces in Second World War in 1945, it came back under the full control of British.
During the independence of both India in 1947 and Burma in 1948, the departing British announced their intention to retain possession of the island chain, and use them to resettle Anglo-Indian & Burmese on these islands, to form their own nation but which this never materialised.

Renaming the Islands as Visions of Netaji

Keeping in mind the historic significance of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and to honour the memory of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Ross Islands was renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep PM Modi in 2018. Neil Island and Havelock Island were also renamed as Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep.

Again on 23 January 2023, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti observed as the ‘Parakram Diwas’ every year. PM Modi named 21 Strategic Important Islands of Andaman and Nicobar unnamed islands in Andaman and Nicobar on on the occasion of the Parakram Diwas Monday India Honouring

The 21 By naming The 21 islands have been named after Param Vir Chakra awardees.

Major Somnath Sharma, PVC

Bombay Sappers, Engineers Battle of Rajouri, Indo-Pak War 1947

During the hot pursuit of Indian Army just after India got independence at Badgam, J&K, Maj Sharma’s Company came under heavy fire. More than 700 Pakistani raiders came out of nearby houses in a surprise attack from three sides. Despite having an injured foot in a cast from a hockey match, Maj Sharma took on the raiders. The sheer ferocity of the fight resulted in the death of several raiders as others began to run. Relentless, Maj Sharma continued fighting till he succumbed to his injuries. He holds the honour of receiving India’s first Param Vir Chakra medal.

Lance Naik Karam Singh, PVC

1 Sikh Regiment, Infantry

Battle of Richmar Gali, Indo-Pak War 1947

LN Karam Singh was handling a forward post at Richmar Gali in south Tithwal of Kupwara district in J&K when he came under heavy fire by the Pakistani intruders. Despite heavy mortar shelling and being severely wounded, he continued to fight on, repelling attack after attack and held on to his post.

2nd Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane, PVC

Bombay Sappers, Engineers

Battle of Rajouri, Indo-Pak War 1947

Wounded and under heavy shelling through the night, 2nd Lt Rane continued to crawl on his stomach, clearing mine after mine by hand. His painstaking actions at high risk to his life cleared the way between Naushera and Rajouri enabling the Indian tanks and troops to advance safely. His timely action was crucial in helping the Indian troops repel and finally evict the Pakistani raiders.

Naik Jadunath Singh, PVC

Rajput Regiment, Infantry

Battle of Taindhar, Indo-Pak War 1947

Naik Jadunath Singh’s nine-man forward post came under heavy attack through the night. Wounded and heavily outnumbered, he single-handedly charged towards the raiding Pakistani militia with his Sten gun, causing causalities and forcing them to retreat.

Company Havildar Major Piru Singh Shekhawat, PVC

Rajputana Rifles

Battle of Tithwal, Indo-Pak War 1947

Assigned to capture a crucial Pakistani post in Tithwal, CHM Piru Singh led his section amid heavy fire from the enemy. The battle raged, and he lost all his men. Alone and wounded, he made a last attempt at neutralising the Medium Machine Gun (MMG) post of the enemy. He achieved his objective but took a bullet in the head.

Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, PVC

1 Gorkha Rifles, Infantry

Congo Crisis, UN Mission, 1961

Captain Salaria and his troops were tasked to clear the road to Elizabethville Airport in Congo, which was blocked by two armoured vehicles and 150 rebel forces of the Secessionist State of Katanga. He attacked and destroyed the two armoured vehicles and took on a large number of rebels. Fighting hand-to-hand combat with Khukris, he and his men killed over 40 rebels before he was shot twice in the neck. He remains the only Indian soldier to receive the PVC for a UN mission.

Major Dhan Singh Thapa, PVC

8 Gorkha Rifles, Infantry

Battle of Srijap, Easter Laddha, Sino-Indian War 1962

Leading the 1st Battalion of the 8th Gorkha Rifles, Major Dhan Sigh Thapa held the post-Srijap 1, Pangong Lake when the Chinese attacked in large numbers. Outnumbered and under heavy fire, he fought on till his post overrun. Most of his men died and he was wounded and taken prisoner by the Chinese. He endured torture at their hands but eventually handed over to the Indian forces

Subedar Joginder Singh Sahan, PVC

1 Sikh , Infantry

Battle of Bum-La, Sino-Indian War, 1962

Sub Joginder Sigh was holding a post at Bum-La, Tawang,Arunachal Pradesh along with a platoon of 20 men of 1 Sikh. The post stood in the way of the advancing Chinese moving towards Tawang. They attacked in three waves of 200 men. Sub Joginder Singh successfully repelled the first and second wave of attacks despite suffering causalities. Heavily outnumbered and short of ammunition, they fought to the last man. Sub Joginder Singh’s last brave act was to take on the Chinese in a Bayonet charge.

Major Shaitan Singh, PVC

13 Kumaon, Infantry

Battle of Rezang-La, Sino-Indian War, 1962

Major Shaitan Singh led the C Company of 13 Kumaon at Rezang-La when the Chinese attacked the post. Despite being surrounded and under heavy fire, Maj Shaitan Singh kept moving positions, distributing ammunition and motivating his men to fight. Outnumbered, he finally succumbed to his injuries.

Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid, PVC

4 Grenadiers,Infantry

Battle of Assal Uttar, Indo-Pak War 1965

The fateful night of 9-10 September 1965, saw the famous Battle of Assal Uttar unfold in the Khem Karan sector. The battle raged as the Pakistani tanks advanced menacingly. CHM Abdul Hamid, part of 4 Grenadiers, engaged and destroyed six Pakistani tanks before he was martyred engaging the seventh.

Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore, PVC

17 Poona Horse, Armoured Corps

Battle of Chawinda, Indo-Pak War 1965

Commanding 17 Horse, the legendary Poona Horse, Lt Col Tarapore led from the front in the Battle of Chawinda while attacking Phillora in the Sialkot sector, Pakistan. The fierce counter-attack by a large number of Pakistani tanks saw some of the most brutal tank battles. Despite being wounded, Col Tarapore continued to lead his forces, destroying sixty Pakistani tanks. The Indian side suffered nine tank casualties. A great victory but the nation lost Col Tarapore

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, PVC

17 Poona Horse, Armoured Corps

Battle of Basantar, Indo-Pak War, 1971

In the early hours of 16 December, 2nd Lt Arun Khetrapal, Squadron Commander of ‘A’ Squadron of the legendary 17 Poona Horse, responded to an urgent call for reinforcement by his colleague commanding Squadron ‘A’ in the Shakargarh sector.
As he crossed over the heavily mined banks of River Basantar, his Squadron came under heavy fire from the newly acquired US-made Pakistani Patton tanks. The battle saw 2nd Lt Khetrapal spearheading the charge on the enemy tanks.
His Commander killed, 2nd Lt Khetrapal took command despite his tank damaged, and he severely wounded. The subsequent fierce engagement destroyed ten enemy tanks before he was martyred.

Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, PVC

3 Grenadiers, Infantry

Battle of Basantar, Indo-Pak War, 1971

Maj Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, Commander ‘C’ Company, was tasked with establishing a bridgehead at River Basantar. He came under heavy shelling as the Pakistani forces launched several counter-attacks on his position. Severely wounded, he refused medical evacuation and kept moving from trench-to-trench motivating his troops to hold firm against the enemy advance.

Lance Nail Albert Ekka, PVC

14 Guards, Infantry

Battle of Hilli, Indo-Pak War, 1971

The Battle of Hilli involved 14 Guards tasked with securing high ground close to Akhuara Railway station in Gangasagar in the eastern theatre. LN Ekka saw Pakistani troops moving along the railway tracks and challenged them. The ensuing firefight saw LN Ekka attack and kill two troops manning the Light Machine Gun (LMG) but one Medium Machine Gun (MMG) position kept firing from a nearby building. Badly wounded, LN Ekka took upon himself to attack and silence the MMG position. He succeeded but could not survive his wounds.

Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, PVC

No. 18 Squadron, IAF

Srinagar, Indo-Pak War, 1971

On 14 December 1971, six Pakistani F-86 Sabre jets attacked Srinagar airfield. In response, Flying Officer Sekhon of No 18 ‘Flying Bullets’ Squadron and ‘Lofty’ to his colleagues, took off in his Gnat to engage the enemy in a 1:6 dog-fight. He managed to shoot down one enemy Sabre and damaged the other one before his aircraft took fire. Unable to eject in time, he went down with his Gnat on the Indian side. His brave and timely sacrifice saved Srinagar.

Naib Subedar Bana Singh, PVC

8 Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry

Indo-Pak Conflict – Siachen, 1987

On 18 April 1987, Pakistani forces holding Quaid Post, the highest peak in Siachen glacier, fired down on Indian positions, killing two soldiers. 8 JAK Light Infantry made two attempts to evict the enemy and failed, resulting in the death of several soldiers Indian, including 2nd Lt Rajiv Pande (Operation Rajiv named after him). NB Sub Bana Singh, along with five men, achieved the impossible. Scaling the steep 457-meter high ice wall, they surprised the enemy. The ensuing handto-hand combat resulted in the killing of six Pakistani soldiers while others jumped off the cliff.

Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran, PVC

8 Mahar Regiment

Operation Pawan, Sri Lanka, 1987

Maj Paramweswaran’s column came under fire from Tamil rebels as they returned late night after conducting a search operation. His troops immediately engaged them while he surprised the rebels attacking from the rear. The resulting hand-to-hand combat saw all five rebels killed but Maj Paramweswaran took a bullet in the chest.

Captain Vikram Batra, PVC

13 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles

Operation Vijay, Indo-Pak Conflict – Kargil, 1999

The legendary acts of Capt Vikram Batra are captured in JP Dutta’s memorable movie ‘Kargil,’ in which his part reprised by Abhishek Bachchan. Leading ‘D’ Naib Subedar Bana Singh, PVC Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran, PVC company of 13 JAK Rifles, he made history capturing Point 5140, paving the way for the capture of other peaks from the entrenched Pakistani forces. It was the battle for the capture of Point 4875 that was to be his last. Leading from the front, he successfully scaled the steep peak under heavy MMG fire, before engaging with the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. A Pakistani sniper took a shot at him, wounded he continued fighting but could not survive the RPG rocket splinter.

Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, PVC

11 Gorkha Rifles

Battle of Khalubar, Operation Vijay, Indo-Pak Conflict – Kargil, 1999

1st Battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles was tasked with the capture of Jubar Top in the Batalik sector. Lt MK Pandey, commanding No 5 Platoon, led the attack. The Battle of Khalubar witnessed some of the fiercest battles during the Indo-Pak conflict of 1999. Crawling up the inhospitable terrain against a barrage of relentless machine gun fire, Lt Pandey was wounded in the shoulder and leg. Undaunted, he continued to lead his men up towards the enemy positions. The resulting hand fighting was merciless and brutal but Lt Pandey and his men prevailed. A badly wounded Lt Pandey bravely fought on until he fell to a hail of machine gunfire

Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, PVC

13 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles

Battle of Flat Top of Point, Operation Vijay, Indo-Pak Conflict – Kargil, 1999

On 4 July 1999, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar of 13 JAK Rifles led his scout team in Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, PVC Captain Vikram Batra, PVC the attack to capture Point 4875 in Mushkoh Valley. The enemy dug deep at various positions along the higher ridges, keeping up relentless fire on the advancing Indian troops. Completely disregarding personal safety, Rifleman Kumar charged an enemy position killing three Pakistani intruders. Grievously wounded, he refused to back down and proceeded to the next position from where another machine gun continued firing. Surprised to see him charging towards the post, the enemy soldier left his machine gun and began running. Rifleman Kumar picked up his gun and shot him as he ran. The Indian flag flew at Point 4875.

Subedar Yogendra Singh Yadav, PVC

18 Grenadiers, Infantry

Battle of Tiger Hill, Operation Vijay, Indo-Pak Conflict – Kargil, 1999

Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav of 18 Grenadiers will always be remembered as the hero who paved the way for the capture of Tiger Hill. He volunteered to lead a Ghatak Commando team the snow-covered 1000 feet steep slope leading to Tiger Hill. He slowly made is way up, fixing rope points so others could climb. Just 60 feet short from the top, the enemy spotted him opening machine gunfire. His platoon commander and two other colleagues were martyred and he took bullets in the groin and shoulder. He didn’t stop. Making his way to the top, he charged the enemy position, killing four Pakistani soldiers. In all, he took 14 bullets and survived to see the Indian flag go up on Tiger Hill.