China-Pakistan surrounded in India’s ‘Jatayu Chakravyuh’, what happened on Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep?

The Indian Navy on Wednesday commissioned its new base INS Jatayu at Minicoy in the Lakshadweep Islands, enhancing its operational capability and reach in the Indian Ocean region. INS Jatayu is the second naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak at Kavaratti. Minicoy is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, 215 nautical miles south-west of Kochi. Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar inaugurated the new base at a ceremony held in Minicoy. Administrator of Lakshadweep Praful Patel, Chief of the Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral V Srinivas and Chief of the Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh were also present.

Jatayu has been appointed under the command of Commandant Vrat Baghel. Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Kumar said the unit was named after Jatayu. Mythical creature in the epic Ramayana who tried to prevent the abduction of Sita. In the Ramayana, Jatayu was the ‘first responder’ who tried to prevent Sita’s kidnapping even at the risk of his life, setting an example of service before self. Hence naming this unit Jatayu is a fitting recognition of this spirit of security monitoring and providing selfless service.

The Navy chief said the information given by Jatayu to Lord Ram provided vital situational awareness. Similarly, we expect this unit to provide situational awareness to the Indian Navy to maintain good maritime domain awareness in the entire area. INS Baaz in the east and now INS Jatayu in the west will act as eyes and ears in Andaman.