Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Facilitating India's Connectivity in the Bay of Bengal

India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) sits astride the critical Sea Lanes of Communication and are in close proximity to the Strait of Malacca, which is central for the energy requirements of most East Asian countries. However, because of its fragile ecosystem and the protective policies which have been governing it through the major part of the post-independence period, the development of ANI has been considerably restricted. Against this backdrop, the article intends to evaluate the potential of the Islands to improve connectivity with other Bay littoral countries. This potential will be examined through – first, physical linkages and the attendant strategic concerns; and second, the possibility of tapping into the Islands' humanitarian assistance and disaster relief outreach capacity. Accordingly the key thrusts of the paper will be on the emerging potential of the ANI in boosting the country’s connectivity, strategic outreach, and prowess in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.