In a significant move to enhance its operational capabilities, the Indian Navy is set to commission the Naval Detachment Minicoy as INS Jatayu on March 6, 2024, at Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep.
This strategic initiative will be overseen by Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff, marking a pivotal moment in bolstering the security infrastructure of the crucial Lakshadweep Islands.
Established in the early 1980s, the Naval Detachment Minicoy, now transitioning to INS Jatayu, is positioned on the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, overlooking the essential Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs).
This transition signifies a major upgrade in the Navy’s strategic positioning in the region, aiming to enhance its overall operational capability significantly.
The establishment of INS Jatayu as an independent naval unit equipped with the necessary infrastructure and resources is expected to advance the Indian Navy’s operational reach.
It will play a critical role in Anti-Piracy and Anti-Narcotics Operations in the Western Arabian Sea, bolstering the Navy’s capacity as a first responder in the region and enhancing connectivity with the mainland.
This move aligns with the Government of India’s agenda for the comprehensive development of island territories.
INS Jatayu will be the second Naval base in Lakshadweep, following INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti. The commissioning of INS Jatayu is poised to strengthen the Indian Navy’s presence in the Lakshadweep islands.
It aims to extend operational surveillance, reach, and sustenance, marking a new chapter in capacity building and the comprehensive development of these strategic territories.
This development underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to securing India’s maritime interests and enhancing its operational capabilities in key strategic areas.
