To boost its operational capabilities within the strategically important Lakshadweep islands, the Indian Navy on Wednesday commissioned its new base “INS Jatayu” at Minicoy Island.
Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar commissioned the new base at a function at Minicoy, Lakshadweep, it is under the command of Commandant Vrat Baghel.
Speaking at Minicoy following the commissioning of INS Jatayu, the navy chief underscored the significance of the unit’s namesake, a mythical figure from the Ramayana who valiantly attempted to thwart Sita’s abduction.
He underlined the ethos of selfless service embodied by Jatayu and its relevance to the unit’s mission of providing security and surveillance. He talked about the pivotal role played by Jatayu in providing crucial intelligence to Lord Ram, drawing parallels to the unit’s mandate of enhancing maritime domain awareness in the region.
He said it was crucial to recognise the pressing need for heightened surveillance amidst the prevailing geopolitical developments, which underscores the strategic significance of Lakshadweep to India.
“The Indian Ocean region is witnessing an upsurge in maritime terror, crime, and piracy. The Indian Navy has responded with an assertive posture in the west and north Arabian Sea, undertaking anti-drone, anti-missile, and anti-piracy operations to safeguard merchant traffic in the region,” he said.
Stressing the escalating maritime security challenges, Lakshadweep Island Administrator Praful Khoda Patel, who was the chief guest on the occasion underscored the strategic importance of Lakshadweep and announced forthcoming infrastructure developments, including an airstrip at Minicoy and a radar base for the Indian Air Force.
Southern Naval Command chief Vice Admiral V Srinivas and Western Naval Command chief Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh also took part in the event. Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep) Captain Lovekesh Thakur highlighted Minicoy’s strategic location on vital trade routes and the necessity of bolstered surveillance capabilities.
About the Crest
INS Jatayu, the second naval base in Lakshadweep, symbolizes vigilance and resilience, with its crest depicting the iconic bird from the Ramayana. The Indian Navy stressed the unit’s commitment to safeguarding maritime interests and its capability to counter threats effectively.
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday approved the crest of the INS Jatayu, depicting a bird that signifies Jatayu, a character in the Hindu epic Ramayana.
The lighthouse in the crest symbolises INS’ extended surveillance capability from the island of Minicoy, as the ‘Southern Sentinel’ of Lakshadweep Islands, and assures maritime safety and security in the region.
About the new base
After INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti, INS Jatayu is the second naval base in Lakshadweep. The establishment of INS Jatayu reinforces the Indian Navy’s operational prowess in the region, enhancing anti-piracy and anti-narcotics efforts while bolstering connectivity with the mainland.