The Indian Navy on Wednesday commissioned its new base "INS Jatayu" at Minicoy in

Lakshadweep islands. This considerably enhances its operational capability and reach
in the Indian Ocean region. It is the second naval base in Lakshadweep after INS
Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti. Minicoy is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, 215
nautical miles southwest of Kochi.
Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar commissioned the new base at a function held in
Minicoy today.
Lakshadweep administrator Praful Patel, Southern Naval Command chief Vice Admiral
V Srinivas, Western Naval Command chief Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, and other
senior defence and administrative personnel were also present.
Jatayu has been commissioned under the command of Commandant Vrat Baghel,
according to media reports.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Kumar said the unit was named after Jatayu –
the mythical bird in the epic Ramayana who courageously tried to foil the abduction of
Sita.
"In the Ramayana, Jatayu was the 'first responder', trying to stop the abduction of Sita ji,
even to the peril of his own life, exemplifying service before self. So, the naming of this
unit as Jatayu is an apt recognition of this spirit of providing security surveillance and
selfless service," Kumar was quoted as saying.
The navy chief added that the information relayed by Jatayu to Lord Ram provided vital
information and crucial situational awareness.
"Similarly, we expect that this unit will provide situational awareness to the Indian Navy
in maintaining good maritime domain awareness of the entire region. INS Baaz to the
east in the Andamans and now the INS Jatayu in the west will serve as eyes and ears
to the Navy to safeguard our national interest," he said.
Kumar further added that it was of paramount importance to recognise the requirement
of heightened surveillance amidst the prevailing geopolitical developments.
"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, according to PTI
Patel, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said that the approval for an airstrip at
Minicoy is also in its final stages.
He also announced that a 24-hour operational chopper hanger at Kavaratti will start
soon and that land has been allotted to set up a radar base in Lakshadweep for the
Indian Air Force.
Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep) Captain Lovekesh Thakur told news sources
that the Minicoy Island is on an important trade route, and having a base with enhanced
surveillance capabilities is of great importance to the country.

"Because of the strategic location, specifically Minicoy, it is a place for gathering
information on the shipping movement," said Thakur.