In a significant move aimed at bolstering its operational capacity, the Indian Navy is set to commission Naval Detachment Minicoy as INS Jatayu on March 6, 2024.
The commissioning ceremony will witness the presence of Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff, marking a pivotal milestone in the Navy's commitment to strengthening security infrastructure in the strategically vital 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.
Positioned strategically along the Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs), Minicoy Island holds immense importance in safeguarding maritime interests.
The inauguration of an independent Naval unit, equipped with essential infrastructure and resources, is poised to enhance the overall operational capability of the Indian Navy in the region. It will significantly extend operational reach, enabling the Navy to effectively conduct Anti-Piracy and Anti-Narcotics Operations in the Western Arabian Sea.
Furthermore, the establishment of INS Jatayu will strengthen the Indian Navy's role as the primary responder in the area and improve connectivity with the mainland. This initiative aligns with the Government of India's focus on the comprehensive development of island territories.
INS Jatayu will become the second Naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti. Its commissioning signifies the Indian Navy's commitment to reinforcing its presence in the Lakshadweep islands.
Alongside enhancing operational surveillance, reach, and sustenance, INS Jatayu is expected to pave the way for capacity building and comprehensive development of the island territories.
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