India to build new naval base on Lakshadweep archipelago to boost security

The Indian Navy aims to enhance its operational effort towards anti-piracy and anti-narcotics operations in Western Arabian Sea

India plans to commission a new naval base in the Lakshadweep islands, off the country's south-west coast, to boost security in the region, the Ministry of Defense said on Saturday.

The Indian Navy will announce on Mar 6 plans to build INS Jatayu on Minicoy island.

Minicoy is the southern most island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, which straddles primary maritime trade routes between the Strait of Malacca and the gulfs of Aden and Hormuz.

"The base will enhance operational reach and facilitate the Indian Navy's operational effort towards anti-piracy and anti-narcotics operations in Western Arabian Sea," a navy statement said.

India already has a base in Lakshadweep, the INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti.