New Delhi: In a significant development, the Indian Navy is set to commission Naval Detachment Minicoy as INS Jatayu on March 6, 2024. The commissioning ceremony will be graced by Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff. This event marks a crucial milestone as the Navy aims to strengthen security infrastructure in the strategically important Lakshadweep Islands.
Established in the early 1980s under the operational command of the Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep), Naval Detachment Minicoy is located on the southernmost island of Lakshadweep. The positioning of an independent Naval unit with adequate infrastructure and resources on Minicoy Island will significantly enhance the overall operational capability of the Indian Navy in the region. This move aligns with the government’s focus on the comprehensive development of islands.
Minicoy Island, strategically positioned to oversee the vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs), plays a crucial role in India’s maritime security. The establishment of INS Jatayu will bolster the Navy’s operational reach, making it better equipped for Anti-Piracy and Anti-Narcotics Operations in the Western Arabian Sea. Additionally, it will strengthen the Navy’s role as the first responder in the region and improve connectivity with the mainland.
INS Jatayu becomes the second Naval base in Lakshadweep, following INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti. This commissioning underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to enhancing its presence in the Lakshadweep islands. The move is expected to not only extend operational surveillance and reach but also usher in a new era of capacity building and comprehensive development for the island territories.
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