Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 8: The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s only Integrated Joint Services Operational Command, celebrated its 25th Raising Day on 08 October 2025 marking a momentous milestone in the nation’s maritime and defence history.
Established in 2001 under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), ANC has remained a symbol of jointmanship, synergy and vigilance in safeguarding India’s strategic interests in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
On this occasion Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, AVSM, NM, CINCAN, laid a wreath at Bayonet Square to honour the brave before reviewing a ceremonial Joint Services Parade at Military Station Brichgunj. He congratulated the units who were conferred with Appreciation lauded personnel and families for their dedication and appreciated the drill, coordination and participation of women personnel and media representatives.
The celebrations also featured a fly past by an IAF Mi-17 helicopter and an Operational Demonstration by MARCOS of the Indian Navy showcasing Small Team Insertion and Extraction (STIE) operations through Mi-17 along with cultural events that highlighted the heritage and diversity of the Islands and showcased the operational readiness, versatility and esprit de corps of the Command.
Reflecting on the Command’s 25-year journey, CINCAN paid tribute to the vision and sacrifices of those who established ANC highlighting its transformation from humble beginnings into a formidable force capable of protecting national sovereignty and contributing to regional stability. He recalled the Command’s selfless response during the 2004 tsunami, cyclones and the COVID pandemic and commended personnel for their relentless dedication to humanitarian operations. He cited Op Brahma, the HADR mission to Myanmar, as a demonstration of ANC’s responsiveness and regional commitment. He also highlighted the assistance provided to 8–10 civilian vessels in distress under adverse sea conditions which prevented major incidents and saved many lives including 18 life-saving medical evacuations from remote islands in recent months.
CINCAN underscored the Command’s operational efficiency and vigilance across the Area of Responsibility with enhanced deployment of ships, aircraft and troops. He noted the continuous presence of Army detachments across remote islands through Area Domination Patrols (ADPs) and Temporary Operating Bases (TOBs), extensive maritime surveillance by Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard aircraft and effective watch over the Malacca Strait. He also commended the successful apprehension of several poachers in the Command’s Area of Responsibility which reflects sustained maritime vigilance.
He further highlighted ANC’s engagement with Friendly Foreign Countries through Coordinated Patrols (CORPAT) and joint exercises such as IND-INDO CORPAT, INDO-THAI CORPAT, SITMEX and AIKEYME which reflect India’s commitment to regional security and cooperation. He mentioned the Dweep Diksha Seminar as a significant initiative by ANC which provides a platform for strategic dialogue among military professionals, scholars and think tanks on issues relevant to the Indian Ocean Region.
Alongside operational success ANC has strengthened its infrastructure and welfare initiatives. Renovation of the Car Nicobar runway is nearing completion while the extension of Kohassa runway and approval for key infrastructure projects including OTR Ports at Kamorta and Campbell Bay are progressing rapidly.
CINCAN also emphasised the Command’s commitment to community welfare outreach and nation-building. Under initiatives such as Aarohan Dweep Se Delhi thirty tribal students were taken to Delhi to interact with national leaders and witness Independence Day celebrations. Regular medical camps, school outreach, fishing community awareness drives, veteran interaction programmes and the Coastal Cleanup Mission underscore the Command’s enduring social responsibility.
He lauded DWWA and the welfare associations of all four components for their active role in social engagement, visits to old-age homes and orphanages and support to families commending the invaluable contribution of women in enriching the Command’s achievements.
The celebrations concluded with illumination of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard ships off Marina Park at sunset complemented by a Joint Services Band Concert at Sri Vijaya Puram which added splendour to the occasion.
CINCAN extended warm greetings on behalf of himself and his wife to all personnel and families of the Command on this special occasion appreciating their unwavering support and dedication.
As India’s only Integrated Operational Command ANC continues to safeguard maritime frontiers to ensure security across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and uphold India’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific.