Navy chief: INS Jatayu apt tribute to Ramayan’s ‘first responder’

“The naming of this unit as Jatayu is an apt recognition of this spirit of providing security, surveillance and selfless service. Jatayu’s information to Lord Rama provided him crucial situational awareness leading to the successful quest that followed,” he said.

The Navy Chief said INS Baaz to the east in Andamans and INS Jatayu in the west at Minicoy will now serve as the eyes and ears of the Navy.

He said it is crucial to recognise the pressing need for heightened surveillance amidst the prevailing geo-political developments which underscore the strategic significance of Lakshadweep to India.

#IndianNavy Commissions #INSJatayu at Minicoy, the southernmost island of Lakshadweep.
Another step towards Navy’s efforts to incrementally augment security infrastructure at the strategically important islands. pic.twitter.com/Bi3BkFia3K

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 6, 2024

He said the Indian Ocean Region is witnessing an upsurge in maritime terror, crime and piracy and the Indian Navy has responded with alacrity, assuming an assertive posture in the West and North Arabian Sea, undertaking anti-drone and anti-piracy operations to safeguard all merchant traffic in the region.

He said INS Jatayu will serve as a vanguard providing crucial ‘Maritime Domain Awareness’ while enhancing surveillance of the Arabian Sea.

Indian Naval officers march past during the commissioning of naval base ‘INS Jatayu’, in Minicoy, Lakshadweep Islands, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. (PTI Photo)

He said, with the ongoing augmentation of infrastructure in coordination with Island Development Authority and NITI Aayog, these islands would be transformed into a hub of our Blue Economy endeavour and reflect a resilient and self-sufficient ‘Viksit Bharat’.

“The growing strength of the Indian Navy is not just to cater to these short-term ongoing crises, but more importantly to ensure the future balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

INS Jatayu will be upgraded to a naval base with additional infrastructure such as airfield, housing and personnel.

There are plans to construct a new airfield that will be capable of operating both military and civil aircraft. This will extend the Navy’s reach and operational surveillance capabilities at a time when India is seeking to counter the growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean Region.