India is strategically enhancing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a vital submarine base to counter China’s growing maritime influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This development aims to secure vital shipping lanes, especially the Malacca Strait, which is crucial for China’s energy supply. With substantial investments planned, including upgrades for supporting naval operations and intelligence-gathering capabilities, India seeks to establish a robust anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) posture against the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The successful implementation of this strategy not only fortifies India’s defense posture but could also significantly disrupt China’s economic vulnerabilities, marking a pivotal shift in regional power dynamics.