INS Jatayu: Indian Navy's new base in Lakshadweep to monitor China-Pak-Maldives dynamics

Traditionally bound by close ties, the Maldives is experiencing a notable shift towards China since the election of President Mohamed Muizzu in November. Muizzu campaigned on a platform pledging to steer away from the country's pro-India stance. More Significantly, India's latest military installation on Minicoy is situated approximately 125 kilometres from the Maldives, introducing a significant new element to the evolving geopolitical dynamics of the region.

Also Read | Significance of INS Jatayu, India’s new naval base in Lakshadweep

INS Jatayu Strengthens Indian Naval Presence

INS Jatayu stands the second Indian naval stronghold established within the archipelago following INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti,  bolstering the existing military infrastructure in Lakshadweep, including air strips and radar stations. New Delhi’s initiatives extend further, including the development of resorts and essential infrastructure on Minicoy Island, aimed at boosting tourism. Analysts say this strategic move not only aims to enhance economic prospects but also sends a signal to the Maldives, whose economy heavily depends on tourism revenue. By diversifying engagement through non-military avenues, India underscores its capacity to address Male's growing ties with Beijing effectively.

Also Read | Maldives not to renew agreement with India for hydrographic surveys; to do on its own: Prez Muizzu

New Naval Base Bolsters New Delhi's Maritime Security Strategy

The region holds strategic significance for New Delhi in safeguarding maritime traffic passage through the Indian Ocean. The establishment of the new base is poised to bolster India's surveillance capabilities in the area, reinforcing its efforts to maintain security and stability in the region.

Also Read | PM Modi visits Lakshadweep, highlights decade of development in Islands

Aligns with Govt's Strategic Blueprint for Lakshadweep Security

Furthermore, the commissioning of INS Jatayu aligns with the government's strategic blueprint to systematically bolster military presence and fortify security infrastructure in the strategically situated Lakshadweep islands in the Arabian Sea.

In a statement, the Indian Navy has said that the base will fortify its "foothold in the Lakshadweep islands, while expanding capacity building, operational reach, and sustainability in the region."

Base Strengthens India's Anti-Piracy Operations

The establishment of the base will extend operational reach and support the Indian Navy's efforts in anti-piracy and anti-narcotics operations in the western Arabian Sea. Additionally, it will enhance the Indian Navy's capacity as the primary responder in the region and improve connectivity with the mainland. This initiative aligns with New Delhi's commitment to the comprehensive development of islands, the Indian Navy said in a press release.

Male's Pact with Beijing: Bilateral Developments Unfold

Male has recently inked a fresh agreement with Beijing, marking a significant step in bolstering bilateral relations, as announced by its defence ministry on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Addressing the presence of Indian troops within his country, Muizzu has raised concerns, prompting New Delhi to agree to their replacement following bilateral consultations.

Also Read | Maldives president says no Indian troops to remain on his island, not even in civilian clothing

Crucial for Monitoring Chinese Navy Activities

The inauguration of a naval base in Minicoy has significantly enhanced surveillance capabilities, enabling intensified monitoring of the Chinese Navy's activities in the region. With the ability to deploy a fleet consisting of fighter jets, warships, and other naval assets, this strategic location assumes paramount importance. Of particular significance is the route passing through Lakshadweep and Minicoy, notably the 9-degree channel, intersecting major commercial shipping lanes en route to the Suez Canal and the Persian Gulf. This development underscores the heightened strategic significance of the area.

India's Protector Role Amid Yemen Crisis

India's prowess in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea is underscored by its deployment of naval destroyers to protect sea trade and offer aid to distressed vessels amidst Yemen's Houthi rebel missile assaults and piracy incidents in the Red Sea. Experts, however, stress on the necessity for additional efforts to amplify power projection beyond existing capacities.

They further asserted that INS Jatayu provides India with a dual advantage, fulfilling both operational and reputational objectives. Strategically, the base enables New Delhi to meet its geopolitical and security goals by bolstering its influence in the region. Moreover, its establishment symbolises India's evolving stature as a significant power, adept at leveraging its capabilities to align with strategic imperatives.

Growing Concerns Over China's Infra Projects in Neighboring Areas

In recent years, New Delhi's apprehension has escalated regarding China's infrastructure ventures in neighbouring territories, particularly exemplified by the development of the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka and Gwadar in Pakistan. These projects are perceived as potentially enhancing China's proximity to India's maritime borders.

Beijing's growing footprint in the Indian Ocean region is a matter of apprehension. Through the establishment of bases like INS Jatayu, New Delhi seeks to mitigate the risk of China asserting dominance on the western frontier of the Indian Ocean, Sreeram Chaulia, Dean of the Jindal School of International Affairs, told the Voice of America (VoA).