<h4>Introduction to INS Jatayu</h4><p><strong>INS Jatayu</strong>, formerly known as <strong>Naval Detachment Minicoy</strong>, has been officially commissioned as an upgraded naval base. This significant development took place on <strong>Minicoy Island</strong>, which is part of the <strong>Lakshadweep archipelago</strong>.</p><p>The commissioning of <strong>INS Jatayu</strong> marks a crucial step in enhancing India's naval capabilities and strategic presence in the <strong>Indian Ocean Region (IOR)</strong>.</p><h4>Operational Control and Reach</h4><p>The newly commissioned base will operate under the direct operational control of the <strong>Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep)</strong>, falling within the purview of the <strong>Southern Naval Command</strong>.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>This strategic placement significantly enhances the <strong>operational reach</strong> of the <strong>Indian Navy</strong> across the vast expanse of the <strong>Indian Ocean</strong>.</p></div><p>It bolsters the Navy's capabilities across a range of critical operations, including <strong>anti-piracy</strong>, <strong>anti-narcotics</strong>, and extensive <strong>surveillance operations</strong>.</p><h4>Strategic Location and SLOCs</h4><p><strong>Minicoy Island</strong>, where <strong>INS Jatayu</strong> is located, holds immense strategic importance. It is the <strong>southernmost atoll</strong> of the <strong>Lakshadweep archipelago</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><p>The base strategically overlooks vital <strong>Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs)</strong>. This positioning is crucial for strengthening <strong>India's maritime presence</strong> and ensuring security in the region.</p></div><p>Specifically, <strong>Minicoy Island</strong> sits at the intersection of crucial <strong>SLOCs</strong> such as the <strong>Eight Degree Channel</strong> and the <strong>Nine Degree Channel</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><p>The <strong>Eight Degree Channel</strong> serves as a geographical separator between <strong>Indian Minicoy Island</strong> and the <strong>Maldives</strong>.</p></div><div class='info-box'><p>The <strong>Nine Degree Channel</strong> separates the island of <strong>Minicoy</strong> from the rest of the <strong>Lakshadweep archipelago</strong>.</p></div><h4>Counterbalancing China's Presence</h4><p>The commissioning of <strong>INS Jatayu</strong> is particularly relevant in the context of <strong>China's increasing presence</strong> and activities in the <strong>Indian Ocean</strong>.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>It significantly reinforces <strong>India's ability</strong> to counterbalance and deter any attempts to undermine its <strong>maritime dominance</strong> and protect its <strong>territorial integrity</strong> in the region.</p></div><h4>Lakshadweep Naval Presence</h4><p><strong>INS Jatayu</strong> is the country's <strong>second naval base</strong> to be established in the <strong>Lakshadweep archipelago</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><p>The <strong>Indian Navy's first base</strong> in the islands, <strong>INS Dweeprakshak</strong>, was commissioned in <strong>Kavaratti</strong> in <strong>2012</strong>, establishing an earlier foothold.</p></div><h4>Enhanced Infrastructure and Security</h4><p>To support its expanded role, <strong>INS Jatayu</strong> will be equipped with substantial additional infrastructure. This includes the development of an <strong>airfield</strong> and dedicated <strong>personnel housing</strong>.</p><p>These enhancements are designed to facilitate robust naval operations and ensure comprehensive <strong>security coverage</strong> across the region, supporting both air and sea assets.</p><h4>Environmental Considerations</h4><p>Due to its location at the intersection of heavily trafficked <strong>SLOCs</strong>, <strong>Minicoy Island</strong> and its surrounding waters are susceptible to <strong>maritime pollution</strong> from the high volume of shipping traffic.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Insight:</strong> While focusing on strategic importance, remember to also consider the <strong>environmental implications</strong> of increased maritime activity and naval presence, which can be a point of discussion in Mains answers (GS-III: Environment).</p></div>