India Inaugurates INS Jatayu Naval Base to Bolster Indian Ocean Presence

The new base on Minicoy Island aims to enhance India's strategic reach and maritime security amid growing regional tensions.

India has opened a new naval base, INS Jatayu, on Minicoy Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, marking a significant step in strengthening its presence in the Indian Ocean.
The establishment of INS Jatayu comes as India seeks to counter China's expanding influence in the region and ensure maritime security along key trade routes.
The base will support the Indian Navy's efforts in anti-piracy, anti-narcotics operations, and heightened surveillance in the strategic waters.
Relations between India and the Maldives have been tense, with the Maldives pushing for the withdrawal of Indian troops stationed there, amid closer ties between the Maldives and China.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized India's commitment to ensuring no single country dominates the Indian Ocean region, highlighting the strategic importance of the new naval base.