Carnicobar: From Tsunami Ruins to Andaman & Nicobar Command’s Tri‑Service Bastion

Carnicobar: Andaman Nicobar Command’s Middle Bastion

On December 26, 2004, Carnicobar in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands was shattered by a monstrous tsunami that claimed the lives of 122 air warriors and their family members, 1000s of civilians were also killed. The coastline was redrawn, villages erased, and haunting “ghost towns” left behind. Yet, from this devastation emerged one of India’s most critical military bastions—the Carnicobar base of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC). In fact, the island also spelt Car Nicobar is now known as the Andaman Nicobar Command’s middle bastion, for its location.

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The tsunami forced India to rethink its strategic posture in the Indo‑Pacific. Carnicobar, once a site of grief, was rebuilt as a hub of resilience. And today, the airbase hosts C‑130J Super Hercules aircraft, elite paratroopers, and advanced surveillance systems. Its transformation symbolizes India’s ability to convert adversity into strength, ensuring that the sacrifices of 2004 are honored through vigilance and preparedness.

Tri‑Service Bastion of Power

Above all, Carnicobar is unique as part of the ANC—the country’s only tri‑service command integrating the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Firstly, positioned at the heart of the Bay of Bengal, it acts as a springboard for operations across the Indo‑Pacific. Secondly, the base enables rapid deployment, humanitarian assistance, and deterrence against threats to India’s maritime security. And most critically, its strategic location near the Malacca Strait underscores its role in safeguarding some of the world’s busiest sea lanes.

As geopolitical competition intensifies in the Indo‑Pacific, Carnicobar has become a linchpin in India’s “Arc of Power.” In fact it not only strengthens India’s maritime domain awareness but also enhances cooperation with friendly nations. From disaster ruins to a tri‑service bastion, Carnicobar stands as a testament to India’s resolve to secure its maritime frontiers and project stability across the region.

‘Arc Of Power’ Series

A StratNews Global & Bharat Shakti team of Amitabh P. Revi, Rohit Pandita and Vashisht Mattoo document this series. Deepankar Verma provides all the informational graphics. In case you missed:

👉Andaman & Nicobar Command. ‘Arc Of Power’ Episode I | Rutland Beach Joint Service Amphibious Assault.

👉INS Kohassa: Eyes In The Sky, Punch In The Sea, Khukris On The Beach— ANC | Arc Of Power, Episode II.

👉Andaman Nicobar Command: India’s Strategic Outpost | C-in-C, Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan Exclusive | Episode III.

👉Tarasa, Tiger & Tamannaah—Andaman & Nicobar Command, Arc Of Power Part IV: Outpost To Springboard.

👉Andaman & Nicobar Command: In Conversation With The Commanding Officer INS Saryu | Arc of Power Episode V.

👉 9 Days On INS Saryu; A Sailor’s Life At Sea, A Home Away From Home | Andaman & Nicobar Command. Episode VI.