Sri Vijaya Puram, October 22: India’s military preparedness near Myanmar’s strategically significant Great Coco Island came under review as Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), inspected remote defence locations in the northern Andaman Islands. The visit covered Landfall Island, East Island and INS Kohassa, where he assessed operational readiness, infrastructure development and logistical support for deployed personnel.
The October 21 inspection focused on capability enhancement projects and the challenges of sustaining military operations in geographically isolated areas. McCarty interacted with officers and other personnel, discussed their operational difficulties and reviewed ongoing projects.
Landfall Island, also known locally as Talrichiro or Taramikhu, is the northernmost island of the Andaman archipelago, approximately 35 kilometres from Myanmar’s Great Coco Island. Its proximity to the Myanmar-controlled territory gives it strategic importance for India’s maritime security.
Located about 220 kilometres from Sri Vijaya Puram, Landfall suffered extensive infrastructure damage during the 2004 tsunami. The island now has one village with six residents belonging to the Kari tribe. The Andaman and Nicobar Command deploys personnel and assets there on a rotational basis.
East Island lies approximately 1.5 kilometres east of Landfall and has no permanent inhabitants. The Cleugh Passage separates both islands from North Andaman.
INS Kohassa, a naval air station at Diglipur, supports surveillance, anti-poaching operations and search-and-rescue missions. Its existing 1,006-metre runway accommodates helicopters and smaller fixed-wing aircraft, including Dornier aircraft, while an ongoing upgrade aims to enable operations by larger aircraft.
The inspection comes against the backdrop of military infrastructure development on Great Coco Island, where the runway has reportedly been extended to 2,441 metres.
Satellite imagery has indicated the construction of accommodation facilities for approximately 1,000 personnel and two large hangars. Sources have also reported work on a substantial naval pier at the island’s northern end.
Great Coco Island came under Myanmar’s administrative control during British rule in 1882, after previously forming part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
Allegations have linked the island’s military facilities to China, including claims of a Chinese military presence. Myanmar has officially denied those allegations and has not responded to Indian requests for an on-site inspection.
During the visit, McCarty acknowledged the personnel’s professionalism and commitment while examining operational requirements at the strategically located outposts.
