As India’s influence over the Indian Ocean region increases, so does the need to secure its maritime interest. As part of the Indian maritime strategy, it’s going to commission a new naval base, the INS Jatayu, in the Minicoy Islands of Lakshadweep by next week.
INS Jatayu is aimed at becoming a major military hub in the region to protect India’s national interests. The base will also have fighter aircraft. Officials have said, in the initial stage the base will comprise a small number of officers and other staff until further expansion.
The commissioning ceremony of INS Jatayu will be carried out in the presence of India’s two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. Since the induction of INS Vikrant, it will be for the second time that both the aircraft carrier will operate together.
For the past few decades, the Indian government has been strengthening its maritime relations with other countries in the Indian Ocean region.
As Indian activities in the Indian Ocean region increase, so does its security challenge.
On 28th February, India and Mauritius inaugurated a new airstrip and a jetty on the island of Agalega islands. The base can be used for monitoring maritime activities in the western Indian Ocean. Such activities include the movement of Chinese naval vessels and piracy activities threatening commercial shipping in the area.
Alongside the expansion of the base, construction of an airfield at the Minicoy islands may be undertaken, as per reports. The airfield is expected to be utilised by both the military and commercial airlines.
Along with the inauguration of the INS Jatayu, a squadron of the MH 60R ‘Romeo’ Naval helicopters will be raised on the occasion.
The recent developments in the Indian Ocean region point towards the increasing role of Indian Navy.
Nitish Chavan
