What is importance of India's New Naval Base INS Jatayu in Lakshadweep

India Steps Up Naval Presence in Indian Ocean: Key Points

1. New Naval Base in Lakshadweep:

• Indian Navy to commission a new base, INS Jatayu, in Lakshadweep.
• Aims to "keep an eye on the activities of adversaries" in the region.
• Will initially house a small group of personnel before expanding.
  
  

2. Significance of INS Jatayu:

• Enhances India's naval coverage in the Indian Ocean, similar to INS Baaz in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• First time two Indian aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, will operate together near Lakshadweep.
• Debut of INS Vikrant in twin carrier operations alongside INS Vikramaditya.

3. Context:

• This development occurs alongside the replacement of Indian military personnel in Maldives with civilian technicians.
• Possible compromise between India and Maldives on the issue of troop presence in Maldives, previously contested by the current Maldivian government.

4. Additional Information:

• India previously provided Maldives with a Dornier airplane and two helicopters.
• Indian military personnel in Maldives (around 75) were involved in transporting patients and rescuing people at sea.