India's Ministry of Defense announced plans to commission a new naval base in the Lakshadweep islands, aimed at bolstering security in the region. The upcoming naval facility, INS Jatayu, will be situated on Minicoy island, the southernmost island in the Lakshadweep archipelago. Positioned strategically along crucial maritime trade routes linking the Strait of Malacca with the gulfs of Aden and Hormuz, the base aims to strengthen India's operational capabilities for anti-piracy and anti-narcotics missions in the Western Arabian Sea.

Scheduled for announcement on March 6, the establishment of INS Jatayu underscores India's commitment to enhancing its naval presence and safeguarding maritime interests in the Indian Ocean region. This move complements the existing naval infrastructure in Lakshadweep, represented by INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti. With its geostrategic location and focus on maritime security, the new base signifies India's proactive stance in safeguarding vital sea lanes and countering emerging threats in the maritime domain.