The Indian Navy on Wednesday commissioned INS Jatayu, an upgraded naval base, at Minicoy Island, the southernmost atoll of the Lakshadweep archipelago.
The Naval Detachment will help enhance operational capabilities of the Navy and support its efforts in anti-piracy and anti-narcotics operations in the Western Arabian Sea.
The crest of INS Jatayu symbolizes the mythical character Jatayu from the Hindu epic Ramayana, signifying courage and vigilance. It was approved by President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday.
The lighthouse in the crest represents Jatayu’s enhanced surveillance ability as the ‘Southern Sentinel’ of Lakshadweep Islands.
Drawing parallels to the attributes exhibited by Jatayu in the epic, such as endurance, alertness, and watchfulness, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said the unit will boost the Navy’s reach and surveillance capabilities in the region.
“Mirroring Jatayu’s fame as a snake hunter, the unit is an extension of INS’ capability to defeat any unsolicited oppressor or aggressor,” Admiral Kumar said.
The navy chief said it was crucial to recognise the 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.
Southern Naval Command chief Vice Admiral V Srinivas and Western Naval Command chief Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh also took part in the event.
INS Jatayu is the second naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak, which was commissioned in 2012 in Kavaratti.