In a ceremony held today, the Indian Navy inaugurated a new naval base on Minicoy Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago. This strategic addition, designated as INS Jatayu, signifies a significant boost to the Navy's operational capabilities in the region.
Commissioned by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, INS Jatayu will play a crucial role in enhancing the Navy's reach and effectiveness in countering threats like piracy and narcotics trafficking in the Western Arabian Sea. Additionally, the base will serve as a forward operating location for various maritime operations.
Commandant Vrat Baghel has been entrusted with the leadership of INS Jatayu.
Speaking at the ceremony, Admiral Kumar highlighted the significance of the base's name, drawing inspiration from the mythical bird Jatayu in the epic Ramayana, who valiantly attempted to thwart Sita's abduction.
This symbolic association underscores the base's intended role as a guardian of India's maritime interests in the region.
"In the Ramayana, Jatayu was the 'first responder', trying to stop the abduction of Sita ji, even to the peril of his own life, exemplifying service before self. So the naming of this unit as Jatayu is an apt recognition of this spirit of providing security surveillance and selfless service," Kumar said.
The navy chief said that the information Jatayu relayed to Lord Ram provided crucial situational awareness, leading to the successful quest that followed.
"Similarly, we expect that this unit will provide situational awareness to the Indian Navy in maintaining good maritime domain awareness of the entire region. INS Baaz to the east in the Andamans and now the INS Jatayu in the west will serve as eyes and ears to the Navy to safeguard our national interest," he said.
He said it was crucial to recognise the pressing need for heightened surveillance amidst the prevailing geopolitical developments, which underscores the strategic significance of Lakshadweep to India.
"The Indian Ocean region is witnessing an upsurge in maritime terror, crime, and piracy. The Indian Navy has responded with an assertive posture in the west and north Arabian Sea, undertaking anti-drone, anti-missile, and anti-piracy operations to safeguard merchant traffic in the region," he said.
Lakshadweep Island Administrator Praful Khoda Patel, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said that approval for an airstrip at Minicoy is in the final stages, and that the 24-hour operational chopper hanger at Kavaratti will start soon.
He also said land has been allotted to set up a radar base in Lakshadweep for the Indian Air Force.
Southern Naval Command chief Vice Admiral V Srinivas and Western Naval Command chief Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh also took part in the event.
Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep) Captain Lovekesh Thakur said that since the island is located on traditional trade routes, it is strategically important.
"Because of the strategic location, specifically Minicoy, it is a place for gathering information on the shipping movement," Thakur said.
He said since the island is on an important trade route, having a base with enhanced surveillance capabilities is of great importance to the country.
It is basically a starting point to building a springboard for better deployment of units, Thakur added.
Minicoy is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, which straddles the vital sea lines of communications.
INS Jatayu is the second naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti.
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