Rajnath Singh visits country’s only operational Joint Service Command in Andaman

Port Blair, Jan 5 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived at Port Blair on Thursday and was accorded a formal welcome. On arrival he was received by the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Admiral DK Joshi, (Retd), Lieutenant General Ajai Singh the Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) and Senior Government Officials.
The Defence Minister reviewed a Quad-Service Guard of Honour and visited Sanklap Samarak, the location of Netaji’s historic arrival on December 29, 1943. At the Sanklap Samarak, he paid solemn homage to honour the sacrifices of soldiers of the Indian National Army. Lt Gen Ajai Singh, AVSM, Commander-in- Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) briefed the Defence Minister on the role, significance and challenges to India’s only joint services command, which has matured over 21 years since its creation on October 8, 2001.
CINCAN during his briefing highlighted the Geo-strategic potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the role they can play towards enhancing India’s influence and support to military operations in the area. It was also highlighted that towards realising the Prime Minister’s vision of Security and Growth for
All in the Region (SAGAR), Andaman and Nicobar Command has played a significant role in giving teeth to the Governments stated Act East Policy by building “Bridges of Friendship” with our maritime neighbours.The Defence Minister also visited the ANC Joint Operations Centre (JOC) which is the nerve centre for integrated planning for surveillance, conduct of operations and logistic support. Singh thereafter, addressed all ranks of Andaman and Nicobar Command at Dweepika Auditorium and had barakhana with troops, where while interacting he lauded the efforts of the only joint services command of the country.