Lakshadweep: India to establish strategic naval base INS Jatayu, build airstrips in Agatti and Minicoy Islands

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep Islands, India is planning to establish new naval and airbases in Agatti and Minicoy Islands strategically located in the Arabian Sea to solidify the country’s maritime footprint and enhance regional security.

The Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands sit on the nine degrees channel, a crucial trade route carrying billions of dollars of commerce between Southeast Asia, and the Middle East (West Asia). The Minicoy islands are also located 524 km from the Maldives.

To mark this major step, the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to the Minicoy Islands aboard the Indian Navy’s INS Vikramaditya which is an aircraft carrier along with the INS Vikrant carrier task force comprising 15 warships.

The inauguration of the new naval base INS Jatayu in the Minicoy Islands is scheduled from March 4, 2024 to March 5, 2024 an Indian media agency reported. The Indian Navy will reportedly also hold the first phase of its commanders’ conference onboard the carriers travelling from Goa to Karwar, to the Minicoy Islands and finally to Kochi. The second phase will commence from March 6, 2024 to March 7, 2024.

The Narendra Modi Government reportedly plans to construct a new airstrip in Minicoy and upgrade th existing one at Agatti. These developments will facilitate the stationing of naval assets at the INS Jatayu. This aligns with the government’s strategy to leverage island territories for projecting power in Maritime security.

India is already expanding its capabilities in the Andaman Nicobar Islands, with new facilities at Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar. Meanwhile the Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands allow India to protect maritime trade routes and counter the growing presence of the Chinese Navy and its allies in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The Nine Degree Channel, passing between Lakshadweep and Minicoy and the Ten Degree Channel near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands serve as major commercial routes from the Suez Canal and Persian Gulf to Southeast Asia.

Additionally, India holds influence over the Sunda and Lombok Straits in Indonesia. The combined task force of INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant accompanied by destroyers, frigates and submarines will create a powerful maritime force projection during their journey to Minicoy.