Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 30 September 2025
Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, PhD, today relinquished command of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) after a distinguished tenure marked by operational excellence, infrastructure development, and strengthened community outreach. He will assume command of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) from 1 October 2025.
The CINCAN expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Union Territory Administration for their support in enabling smooth execution of operational and welfare initiatives.
During his tenure, Lt Gen Rana spearheaded several initiatives enhancing operational preparedness and integration across the Islands. Notably, the ANC launched the maiden national integration tour, Dweep to Delhi, under which 30 meritorious tribal students visited the national capital to meet the President, Raksha Mantri, Chief of Defence Staff, and Army Chief, strengthening the Islands’ social connect with the mainland.
The ANC also introduced a bulk messaging system from the Joint Operations Centre in Sri Vijaya Puram, enabling rapid dissemination of safety, security, health, and weather alerts—including tsunami warnings—to defence personnel, their families, and civilians across the Islands.
On the infrastructure front, Lt Gen Rana addressed long-standing bottlenecks at forward operating bases. Projects delayed for years due to environmental clearances—including some pending for up to eight years—were actively pursued. Notably, the Outer Terminal (OTR) Ports at Kamorta and Campbell Bay were declared Strategic Projects on 18 September 2025, enabling exemption from Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and environmental clearances and paving the way for timely execution.
Under his command, the ANC strengthened joint training and operational coordination with foreign navies through Joint Coordinated Patrols (CORPAT), reinforcing India’s maritime security posture. The Dweep Diksha Dialogue 25 seminar, focused on the “Evolution of ANC as a Strategic Hub & Beyond,” brought together commanders, diplomats, veterans, scholars, and strategists to deliberate on evolving warfare challenges and India’s maritime vision in the Indo-Pacific.
Lt Gen Rana also championed the inclusion of five key projects under the PM Gati Shakti Yojna, covering runway extensions at INS Baaz and INS Kohassa, road and protection wall development at Air Force Station Carnicobar, road connectivity in North Andaman, and upgrading fuel storage facilities—laying the foundation for faster execution of critical security infrastructure.
On relinquishing command, Lt Gen Rana said the ANC is well poised to meet future challenges, affirming that the foundations laid for enhanced integration and operational excellence would continue to grow under new leadership.
As part of the farewell, he laid a wreath at Military Station Brichgung and reviewed a ceremonial Joint Forces Guard of Honour at INS Utkrosh. He expressed deep gratitude to all ranks and stakeholders for their guidance and support and pledged to continue enhancing the combat capability and efficiency of the Armed Forces in his new role at the Strategic Forces Command.
Lt Gen Rana’s leadership, dedication, and commitment have left a lasting impact on the ANC and will remain an inspiration for all ranks.
