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Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM, is a distinguished Indian Air Force (IAF) officer who has recently taken over as the 17th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) on 1st May 2023. The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is India's only joint-services command, and Air Marshal Balakrishnan's appointment to this prestigious position is a testament to his exceptional leadership skills and extensive military experience.

Air Marshal Balakrishnan began his illustrious career in the IAF after being commissioned into the fighter stream in 1986, having trained at the National Defence Academy Khadakwasla. He has flown over 3200 accident-free fighter flying hours on various variants of MIG-21 and Kiran aircraft, making him an accomplished fighter combat leader. Over the years, he has held various key positions, including Commanding Officer of a Bison Squadron, the first Commanding Officer of an AWACS Squadron, and Air Officer Commanding at the prestigious AF Station in Jodhpur.

Before taking up the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, Air Marshal Balakrishnan was the Senior Air Staff Officer at the IAF Training Command in Bengaluru. His outstanding contributions to the IAF have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Presidential Awards of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal.

As the head of the ANC, Air Marshal Balakrishnan will be responsible for the overall strategic and operational command of all three services – Army, Navy, and Air Force – in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This is a critical role given the region's strategic importance in the Indian Ocean and the need for close coordination among the services in addressing security challenges. The ANC is also a model for India's planned theaterisation of military capabilities, which will involve the creation of integrated joint commands across the country.

Air Marshal Balakrishnan's appointment as the Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command is a testament to his exemplary leadership skills and extensive military experience. Under his leadership, the ANC is expected to continue to play a crucial role in India's defense and security architecture.