By Girish Linganna

Mar 7: India is set to establish a new naval station on Minicoy Island, the furthest south island in the Lakshadweep chain. This location is approximately 400 km east of Kochi on the Indian mainland and 258 km south of the Maldives.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated INS Jatayu on 6th of March which will serve as the second naval base in Lakshadweep, following INS Dweeprakshak located in Kavaratti.

INS Jatayu is an element of the Navy's strategy to gradually improve the security infrastructure on strategically important islands.

INS Jatayu is located just north of the 9-degree channel, a crucial route for 90% of global trade in this region. Similar to the development of Andaman and Nicobar Islands two to three decades ago, attention has now shifted here due to strategic needs, especially as Malé grows closer to China and their influence expands in the area," said retired Captain DK Sharma of Bharatshakti.in, as reported by Stratnewsglobal.

The 9-degree channel is a maritime route located north of the Lakshadweep archipelago, near the equator. This channel is named after the latitude line that it approximates, which is 9 degrees north of the equator. It is considered a crucial route because it serves as a major passage for ships traveling between the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and beyond. The statement that 90% of global trade in this region moves through this channel emphasizes its significant role in international shipping and trade. Such channels are vital for the efficient transportation of goods across the world, making them strategic points for countries interested in securing maritime routes and ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels.

The inauguration of INS Jatayu holds importance because it occurred shortly before India complied with President Mohamed Muizzu's request to remove all its staff from the Maldives.

INS Jatayu was initially established in the early 1980s as the Naval Detachment Minicoy, a modest unit with restricted duties. Today, it is being transformed into a standalone base designed to amplify the operational effectiveness of the Indian Navy. This expansion will not only enhance its capacity to act as the primary responder in the area but also improve its connection with the mainland.

Naval detachment would be tasked with surveillance, reconnaissance, and providing security in its designated area, especially focusing on maritime interests and protecting the nation's territorial waters. Over time, this initial setup on Minicoy Island has evolved, leading to the establishment of more substantial naval facilities, such as INS Jatayu, to enhance the navy's operational capabilities and presence in strategically important locations.

With the establishment of INS Jatayu, the Indian Navy will enhance its maritime presence and capabilities in the Lakshadweep islands.

Lakshadweep's Key Islands Explored

Lakshadweep, an Indian Union Territory, comprises around 36 islands, out of which 10 are inhabited. Among these islands, some of the most notable or important ones include:

1. Kavaratti - It serves as the capital of the Union Territory and is one of the most developed islands, known for its beautiful beaches and marine life.

2. Minicoy - Located at the southern end of the Lakshadweep archipelago, Minicoy is the second-largest island and is culturally distinct, having close ties with the Maldives.

3. Agatti - The island hosts the only airport in Lakshadweep, making it a crucial point for connectivity to the mainland.
4. **Kalpeni** - Known for its scenic beauty and coral life, Kalpeni is a popular tourist destination.

5. Bangaram - This uninhabited island is a tourist paradise, known for its resort and pristine beaches. It's open to international tourists as well.

These islands are important not only for their strategic location in the Arabian Sea but also for their unique ecosystems, cultural heritage, and tourism potential.

(The author Girish Linganna of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach out to him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)