The NDA government, however, has signalled its intent to bolster the ANC, with defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visiting the 572-island cluster last month. "DANX, the first such major exercise of the ANC, was planned for synergistic application of forces. The main objective of the exercise was to practice and validate procedures and drills aimed at defending the A&N Islands," said an officer. "The highlights of the exercise were fighter operations, night para jumps at sea, slithering of troops from helicopters and amphibious landings of troops by ships. One particular drill revolved around the recapture of an island that had fallen into enemy hands.

Source: Times of India November 24, 2017 14:00 UTC