India opened a new naval base, INS Jatayu, at Minicoy in the Lakshadweep islands on Wednesday, expanding its military reach and presence in the vast Indian Ocean. Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar hailed the new outpost as a significant boost for the navys operational capability in a strategic maritime expanse that presents a raft of challenges.The Southern Naval Command head vice admiral V Srinivas, the Western Naval Command chief vice admiral Sanjay J Singh, Kumar, and Lakshadweep administrator Praful K Patel witnessed the INS Jatayus commissioning.INS JatayuAn airfield and a jetty are among the operational facilities that will be built at the new facility, the second in Lakshadweep, and more navy resources will be stationed there, according to Kumar. The enormous bird from the Hindu epic Ramayana is the source of the bases name. According to Kumar in Minicoy, the opening of the new facility is extremely important for the Indian Navy as well as the countrys maritime security and strategic stance in the Indo-Pacific area.INS Jatayu, located in Minicoy, to the west, and INS Baaz, located in the Andamans, to the east, will function as the nations eyes and ears across the vast oceans to protect Indias interests. It is imperative to acknowledge the urgent necessity for increased surveillance in light of the current geopolitical developments that highlight Lakshadweeps strategic importance to India. There is an increase in crime, piracy, and maritime terror in the Indian Ocean region.Muizzus decisionAfter May 10, no Indian military personnel—not even those dressed in civilian clothes—will be permitted entry into the Maldives, according to President Mohamed Muizzu.Muizzu, who is seen as having a close relationship with China, has worked to wean the Maldives off of its reliance on India in vital areas like defense and food security since winning the presidential election the previous year. Minicoy, where the navy had previously maintained a temporary setup, is now operational as a full-fledged base.India prepares The Indian Navys increasing power is not just intended to handle immediate crises but, more crucially, to maintain the regions future power balance in the Indo-Pacific.India announced last week that the first group of Indian technical personnel had arrived in the Maldives to take over for military personnel who were in charge of two helicopters and an aircraft that were mostly used for disaster relief and humanitarian aid missions. Two modern light helicopters and an Indian-supplied Dornier are operated by about 80 Indian servicemen stationed in the Maldives.Increased coastal securityAfter visiting Lakshadweep in January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought the islands to the attention of the public. After Modis visit, India opted to expand its military presence by building airfields and naval stations in the Lakshadweep islands to safeguard the crucial sea lines of communication, as HT first reported on February 14.The bases initial commanding officer will be Commander Vrat Baghel. The new facility will improve Indias ability to keep an eye on any extra-regional presence in the region, according to marine affairs specialist Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, who retired from the navy last year as vice chief. West Indian Ocean has previously faced drone attacks and hijacking attempts have been made. Therefore, it is important to keep tight security on the coastal areas. Also, the base will help to keep in check that drug trafficing is not taking place. Watch Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar speak: #WATCH | Indian Navy Commissions INS Jatayu at Minicoy, the southernmost island of Lakshadweep.On INS Jatayu, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar says, ..We have commissioned this establishment, we had a presence here for a long time. By commissioning this, we have to improve the… pic.twitter.com/5repfoLScl— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2024MH-60R helicopters and warshipsThe new MH-60R helicopters from the navy, which Kumar praised as being among the most powerful multi-role helicopters in the world, will greatly improve Indias marine capabilities. The MH-60R helicopters will be used to safeguard Indias maritime epicentres and bolster endeavors to create a safe and secure environment in the Indian Ocean region. Indias mission-based deployments will benefit from the MH-60Rs adaptability, reach, and flexibility, which will enhance our combat readiness. Faced with growing concerns, the navy has significantly increased surveillance in the region and sent task groups of about ten warships. The Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep) assumed operational command of the Naval Detachment Minicoy upon its establishment in the early 1980s.The Indian Navys overall operational capabilities will be improved by basing an autonomous naval unit with the necessary resources and facilities in Minicoy, which crosses important sea routes of communication.
