India's island territories provide military deterrence against expansionist China

India's island territories provide military deterrence against expansionist China by developing long range capabilities. The territories, including Andamans and Nicobar Island, hold huge economic potential with world class transshipment hubs. India's military doctrine has shifted from land-centric to sea-centric, with a focus on maritime security post-2014. PLA ships, including aircraft carrier based task forces, regularly enter the Indian Ocean Region, prompting India to develop its island territories as a military base and transshipment hub.