Sri Vijaya Puram, Jun 01: Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, PVSM, AVSM, VM, relinquished command as the 17th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) on 31 May 2025. He was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 7 June 1986 and retires after an illustrious career spanning almost four decades.
The CINCAN expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VSM, NM (Retd), and the Union Territory Administration for their unwavering support and cooperation during his two-year tenure at ANC.
In his farewell address to all officers and personnel of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), the CINCAN highlighted the present and emerging security challenges in the region. He emphasized the critical importance of synergy within the Joint Services Command-comprising the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard—to achieve operational effectiveness. During his tenure, ANC significantly enhanced its operational preparedness and successfully conducted major joint-services exercises, BrahMos missile firings, and drills with friendly foreign navies.
He commended all ranks for their unwavering operational readiness and vigilance across the coastline, despite the challenges posed by the vast maritime domain and limited surveillance resources. His steadfast leadership ensured high levels of preparedness and maritime security throughout the region.
The Air Marshal also played a key role in fostering strong civil-military relations and connecting closely with the island populace. He prioritized infrastructure development at Port Blair and forward stations including Shibpur, Car Nicobar, Kamorta, and Campbell Bay. His tenure saw significant focus on enhancing the Command’s capabilities in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and streamlining Medical Evacuation (Med Evac) measures, ensuring timely assistance to those in remote areas.
A strong advocate for fitness and adventure, the CINCAN led several pioneering initiatives. These included the ‘Swim to the Islands’ expedition—a multi-phase open-water swim to all 21 islands named after Param Vir Chakra awardees—spanning over 300 kilometers and concluding on 15 August 2024. He also oversaw a 65-kilometre open-water swimming expedition around Car Nicobar on the 20th anniversary of the 2004 tsunami, as a tribute to its victims and survivors. The ANC Triathlon Challenge further highlighted his focus on promoting endurance and camaraderie among personnel.
CINCAN also encouraged professional discourse and knowledge sharing by facilitating seminars such as the Andaman and Nicobar Technical Seminar (ANTech) and the Dweep Diksha Dialogue – 2024: Dweep Madad, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 2004 tsunami. The latter, held on 19–20 December 2024, brought together delegates from Indian Ocean Region nations and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Working Group, featuring eminent speakers from various fields, including media, to discuss disaster response strategies and enhance interoperability.
To mark the conclusion of his command, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief reviewed a ceremonial Joint Forces Guard of Honour at INS Utkrosh on 31 May 2025.
His leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to service will continue to inspire all ranks of the Andaman and Nicobar Command in the years ahead.
