Indian Navy to Commission INS Jatayu at Lakshadweep Islands today

livemint.com:

Indian Navy is set to commission Naval Detachment Minicoy as INS Jatayu today – March 6. The move aims to bolster security infrastructure at the strategically crucial Lakshadweep Islands, officials told PTI. Established in the early 1980s, Naval Detachment Minicoy operates under the command of the Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep).

"The event marks an important milestone in the Navy's resolve to incrementally augment security infrastructure at the strategically important Lakshadweep Islands," a senior official told the agency. Minicoy, the southernmost island in Lakshadweep, strategically covers the Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs). The creation of an independent naval unit with the necessary infrastructure will boost the overall operational capability of the Indian Navy in the region.

- The commissioning ceremony will be attended by Navy Chief Adm R Hari Kumar on March 6. - The new base aims to extend operational reach and support the Navy's efforts in anti-piracy and anti-narcotics operations in the Western Arabian Sea. - Additionally, INS Jatayu will strengthen the Navy's role as the primary responder in the region, enhancing connectivity with the mainland.

- The establishment of this naval base aligns with the Government of India's focus on the comprehensive development of islands. - INS Jatayu becomes the second naval base in Lakshadweep, following INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti. In a recent address at an event in Goa, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised India's dedication to safeguarding the Indian Ocean region against any overwhelming economic and military influence, hinting at challenges posed by China's growing military strength.