In a major economic development, the Indian Navy will name the Minikoy Naval Detachment INS Jatayu on March 6, marking a major step in the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Secure infrastructure in Lakshadweep Islands. This move comes soon after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth supported India in the Indian Ocean region by jointly opening the airport runway and jetty on Agalega island in Mauritius.
Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 36 islands located 220 km to 440 km from Cochin and is a major attack point due to its location in the Indian Ocean. Minicoi are the southernmost of the Lakshadweep Islands and play an important role in protecting critical Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) during the months of August and September, making them important for sea voyages. The islands also have ways of dealing with ocean pollution.
INS Jatayu’s operation is in line with the Indian Navy’s commitment to support improved security in Lakshadweep. While the Navy has reserved Minicoy since 1980, the upgraded INS Jatayu will effectively act as the second base at Lakshadweep, in addition to the existing base at Lakshadweep, which became operational in 2012. INS Dweeprakshak Naval Base in Kavarati.
The existing Naval Detachment INS Minicoy at Lakshadweep will be converted into INS Jatayu under the command of the Director of Naval Affairs (Lakshadweep). This development also includes additional infrastructure such as airports, buildings and personnel suitable for environmental cleanliness. Plans are underway to build a new airport that can serve military and civilian aircraft.
Jatayu’s reforms are based on the Indian government’s priority of island development. The base is expected to increase the Navy’s operational reach and support anti-piracy and counter-terrorism efforts in the Western Arabian Sea. It will also play an important role as first responders in the region and strengthen connectivity with the mainland.
Admiral R Hari Kumar will attend the commissioning ceremony planned to be held on March 6. The construction of INS Jatayu reflects India’s commitment to maritime security and safety in the Indian Ocean region. Speaking in Goa recently, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized India’s determination to protect the region from commercial and military attacks and drew attention to the problems caused by China’s growing army.
Singh reiterated India’s commitment to the rules that establish its maritime sovereignty and secure the freedom and independence of its maritime neighbors, the Indian Ocean. He acknowledged the Navy’s readiness to respond to challenges in the field, including attacks on submarines, and praised its efforts to combat piracy and human trafficking.
The Minister of Defense opened the new training facility of the Naval War Academy in 2017. Goa was named ‘Chora’ symbolizing India’s maritime prowess, best frontier and military thinking. Singh also pledged to undertake major projects at Karwar Naval Base as part of the second expansion phase of Project Seabird, which aims to enhance India’s naval capabilities.
Recent developments reflect India’s approach to strengthening its naval forces, finding solutions to regional challenges and protecting its maritime interests. Once operational, INS Jatayu will play an important role in strengthening India’s maritime capabilities and ensuring the security of Lakshadweep.
