In a formal ceremony held on November 27, 2025, Commander Sudhanshu Bhardwaj took over command of INS Jatayu from Commander Vrat Baghel at Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep. The change of command was marked by naval traditions and attended by officers and sailors stationed at the base.
INS Jatayu, commissioned earlier this year, serves as a strategically vital naval base in the Lakshadweep archipelago, significantly enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational reach, maritime surveillance, and logistical sustenance in the Arabian Sea. Its location at Minicoy enables faster response to emerging maritime challenges, improved monitoring of critical sea lanes, and strengthened presence in the Western seaboard.
Commander Bhardwaj’s assumption of command is expected to further bolster the base’s operational efficiency and support ongoing maritime security initiatives in the region.
This transition underscores the Navy’s continued efforts to strengthen forward deployment capabilities and maintain robust security across India’s island territories.
