Context: The Naval Detachment Minicoy will transition into INS Jatayu, an upgraded naval base, symbolizing India’s commitment to bolstering security infrastructure in the strategic Lakshadweep Islands.

• This development underscores the Indian Navy’s strategic imperative to fortify its presence in the region.

About INS Jatayu

• It is the second Naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti.

• With the commissioning of INS Jatayu, the Indian Navy will strengthen its foothold in the Lakshadweep islands and along with extending operational surveillance, reach and sustenance.

• It will usher in a new era of capacity building and comprehensive development of the island territories.

• The event marks an important milestone in the Navy’s resolve to incrementally augment security infrastructure at the strategically important Lakshadweep Islands.

INS Jatayu: Bolstering Security and Connectivity in Lakshadweep

• Strengthening the Foothold: With the commissioning of INS Jatayu, the Indian Navy will strengthen its foothold in the Lakshadweep islands.

• Monitor & Surveillance: It will help in extending operational surveillance, reach and sustenance.

• India is suspicious of China’s growing presence in the archipelago nation and the new base will extend India’s “operational surveillance” of the area.

• Comprehensive Development: It will begin a new era of capacity building and comprehensive development of the Lakshadweep islands.

• To Quick Respond: The new base will enhance the Navy’s overall operational capability and reach in the region, facilitating efforts towards anti-piracy and anti-narcotics operations in the western Arabian Sea. 

• It will also serve as a first responder in the region and improve connectivity with the mainland.

• INS JatayuFor Security: It is an important milestone in the security infrastructure at the strategically important Lakshadweep Islands.

Key facts about Minicoy Island

• It is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep which straddles the vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs).

• Naval Detachment Minicoy was set up in early 1980s under the operational command of Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep).

Significance of the naval detachment

• Basing of an independent Naval unit with requisite infrastructure and resources will enhance the overall operational capability of the Indian Navy in the islands.

• The base will enhance operational reach and facilitate Indian Navy’s operational effort towards Anti-Piracy and Anti-Narcotics Operations in Western Arabian Sea. It will also augment Indian Navy’s capability as the first responder in the region and augment connectivity with the mainland.

About  the Lakshadweep Islands

• Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 36 islands located between 220 km and 440 km from Kochi.

• The islands, only 11 of which are inhabited, have a total area of only 32 sq km.

• The Lakshadweep are part of a chain of coralline islands in the Indian Ocean that includes Maldives to the south, and the Chagos archipelago farther beyond, to the south of the equator.

INS Dweeprakshak

• It is the Naval Base of Indian Navy was commissioned at Kavaratti in the Lakshadweep archipelago. It has incrementally augmented the security infrastructure at the strategically important Lakshadweep Islands.

Conclusion

• The establishment of INS Jatayu demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to tapping India’s geographical advantage to further maritime interests.