Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), addressed officers of the 21st Higher Defence Management Course (HDMC-21) at the College of Defence Management (CDM) on December 18, 2025. The interactive session focused on the ANC's historical evolution, its critical geo-strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region, and ongoing initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness. As India's only tri-services integrated theatre command, the ANC plays a pivotal role in national security, overseeing joint operations across the Army, Navy, and Air Force in a strategically vital archipelago. Kochhar highlighted transformation efforts to bolster readiness amid evolving regional dynamics, including maritime security challenges and great-power competition.
The Admiral emphasised the command's unique position as a forward sentinel, monitoring key sea lanes and contributing to India's Act East policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. He outlined measures for greater integration, capability building, and infrastructure development to achieve seamless jointness. The discourse deepened participants' understanding of the Indo-Pacific's complex security landscape, including non-traditional threats and the need for agile, unified responses.
Kochhar also engaged with officers from friendly foreign countries attending the course, underscoring the importance of international military cooperation and defence diplomacy. The interaction reinforced partnerships in capacity building and shared strategic interests. In a gesture of goodwill, the admiral presented sweets to Bhutanese officers in the group, commemorating Bhutan's National Day on December 17. This act symbolised strong bilateral ties and mutual respect between the armed forces of India and Bhutan.
The HDMC, conducted at CDM, equips senior officers with advanced management skills for higher command and staff appointments. Such visits by theatre commanders provide practical insights into operational realities, bridging strategic theory with field perspectives. The session aligns with broader armed forces reforms toward integrated theatre commands, enhancing joint warfighting capabilities. Participants gained valuable appreciation for the ANC's role as a key pillar in India's comprehensive national power projection. The conclave reflects ongoing efforts to foster professional excellence and international collaboration among defence leaders. As threats evolve, such forums strengthen preparedness and interoperability across services and allies. Kochhar's address highlighted the ANC's journey from inception in 2001 to its current stature as a model for future integration.
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