I am quite surprised and shocked by such languid comparisons between advantages and disadvantages of ' keeping' far away islands .
There is no iota of doubt that advantages of having control over such a vast archipelago far exceeds than any logistic disadvantages that may exist .
One single fact should put all the doubts to the rest and that - the chain of Andman and nicobar islands extends India's exclusive economic zone by 300,000 sq km . accounting for 30 % that is almost 1/3 rd of total EEZ area claimable by India .
It is rather shocking to even hear about the lamentations of logistical disadvantages of administrating or maintaining Andaman Nicobar when US,UK, France hold overseas hundreds of territories , islands millions km away from home land across the seven seas .....
This being one of the most cyclone and tsunami prone area - these islands act as important warning outposts which can save mainland from catastrophe that happened in 2010 !
The sheer scientific , economic , military , social , strategic , political , historical importance on Andaman Nicobar islands is so overwhelming that the so called disadvantages should not be even mentioned ...not in same breath ....not in same space ....!
I am quite surprised that Indian members are even discussing this ....
Your "surprise and shock" arose from a simple misunderstanding, due to which your entire post is akin to tilting at windmills.
The "advantages and disadvantages" I mentioned were not of having A&N in our possession - yes, any fool can see that the advantages comprehensively trump any disadvantages. In fact, I cannot even think of a disadvantage of possessing A&N.
The point was about the advantages and disadvantages of A&N being far away from the mainland for our operational planning, and military affairs. The adv and disadv of distance, not of possession itself. Adv being that it acts as a forward base, and disadv being that continous reinforcement might be difficult in an all out war to the end. Adv for offense, disadv for defence.