• Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar commissioned the new base INS Jatayu at Minicoy island that will bolster its operational capabilities within the strategically important Lakshadweep islands.

• Minicoy is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, which straddles the vital sea lines of communications.

• It is just about 80 nautical miles from the northernmost island of the Maldives.

• The Naval Detachment will enhance operational reach, and support the Indian Navy’s efforts in anti-piracy and anti-narcotics operations in the Western Arabian Sea.

• The unit was named after the mythical creature in the epic Ramayana who tried to stop the abduction of Sita.

• INS Jatayu 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.

• Basing of an independent naval unit with requisite infrastructure and resources will enhance the overall operational capability of the Indian Navy in the islands. 

• It will also augment the Indian Navy’s capability as the first responder in the region and augment connectivity with the mainland.

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