New Indian Naval Base
INS SUMEDHA intercepted fishing vessel AL-KAMBAR during the early hours of 29 March and was joined subsequently by INS TRISHUL. Source: Indian Navy
04 April 2024
India’s commissioning of its new base, INS Jatuyu, is vital for the Indian Ocean region, reinforcing its efforts in anti-piracy in the Western Arabian Sea.
By Katie Zeng Xiaojun, Analyst
The Indian Navy took a big step towards strengthening its operational capabilities with the recent commissioning of its new base, INS Jatayu, located on Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep off India’s west coast. This move aims to strengthen the Indian Navy’s position within the Lakshadweep archipelago and expand its operational reach, capacity building, and support within the area. The new naval base is vital for the Indian Ocean region, reinforcing India’s efforts in anti-piracy and anti-narcotics operations in the Western Arabian Sea.
The INS Jatayu is situated on Minicoy Island, which is on the southernmost tip of Lakshadweep and lies near one of the busiest shipping routes from the Red Sea to East Asia. The island is about 400km south-west of Kochi, in Kerala. INS Jatayu is the second naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak on Kavaratti island.
Other plans for the naval base include an airstrip that is capable of operating both military and civil aircraft to enhance the reach of air-sea coordinated operations.
India has given a strong emphasis on the strategic importance of Lakshadweep amidst prevailing geopolitical developments. One of which is the increased China presence and influence across the Indian Ocean. In November 2023, China conducted a joint maritime exercise in the northern Arabian Sea with the Pakistan Navy. Thus, the airstrip on Minocoy Island will complement the Indian Navy's capability by extending its reach and operational surveillance capabilities at a time when India is seeking to counter the growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.
In response to maritime threats in the Indian Ocean, INS Jatayu emerges as a crucial asset in maintaining maritime domain awareness and safeguarding national interests. As well as assisting vessels damaged by Houthi attacks in the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Navy has been engaged in several anti-piracy operations. For example, it freed the bulk carrier RUEN from pirate control in a significant operation in mid-March. More recently, the Indian Navy rescued the fishing vessel AL-KAMBAR and its crew after it was hijacked by nine armed perpetrators at approximately 90 nautical miles southwest of Socotra on 28 March evening.
The navy’s growing strength is not just to cater for these short-term, ongoing crises but also aims to ensure the future balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region. INS Jatayu’s enhanced surveillance capabilities will be essential in bolstering India’s maritime security posture and act as a vital starting point for deploying units effectively.
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