About INS Jatayu:
- It is the second Naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti.
- With the commissioning of INS Jatayu, the Indian Navy will strengthen its foothold in the Lakshadweep islands and along with extending operational surveillance, reach and sustenance.
- It will usher in a new era of capacity building and comprehensive development of the island territories.
- The event marks an important milestone in the Navy’s resolve to incrementally augment security infrastructure at the strategically important Lakshadweep Islands.
Key facts about Minicoy Island
- It is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep which straddles the vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs).
- Naval Detachment Minicoy was set up in the early 1980s under the operational command of Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep).
- Significance of the Naval Detachment:
- Basing of an independent Naval unit with requisite infrastructure and resources will enhance the overall operational capability of the Indian Navy in the islands.
- The base will enhance the operational reach and facilitate the Indian Navy’s operational effort towards Anti-Piracy and Anti-Narcotics Operations in the Western Arabian Sea. It will also augment the Indian Navy’s capability as the first responder in the region and augment connectivity with the mainland.
