Naval base INS Jatayu was commissioned at Minicoy island, Lakshadweep in presence of Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, and Administrator of Lakshadweep Praful K Patel amongst others on Wednesday, officials said here.
Giving details, they said this milestone event strengthens Indian Navy's foothold in the Lakshdweep island while extending capacity building, operational reach and sustenance in the region. Establishment of Naval Base at Minicoy will augment connectivity with the main land focusing towards comprehensive development of the islands. INS Jatayu will be functioning under the operational control of Naval Officer in Charge (Lakshadweep), Southern Naval Command.
INS Jatayu will play a significant role in Indian Navy's operational surveillance while embracing the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). Addressing the gathering at Minicoy after the commissioning of INS Jatayu, Admiral Kumar said the unit was named after the mythical creature in the epic Ramayana who tried to stop the abduction of Sita, according to PTI.
"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," he said.
The navy chief said the information Jatayu relayed to Lord Ram provided crucial situational awareness, leading to the successful quest that followed.
"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.
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.
Lakshadweep Island Administrator Praful Khoda Patel, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said approval for an airstrip at Minicoy is in the final stages, and that the 24-hour operational chopper hanger at Kavaratti will start soon. He also said land has been allotted to set up a radar base in Lakshadweep for the Indian Air Force.