Lakshadweep's Minicoy and Agatti to get naval bases.

India will soon extend its naval footprint  by establishing naval bases in Agatti and Minicoy Islands along with air bases in order to secure the vital sea lanes of communication.

Government has decided to build a new airstrip at Minicoy Islands and upgrade the airstrip at Agatti Islands with plans station naval assets at "INS Jatayu".

This decision dovetails into the government's strategy to use its island's territories to project power in the Indo-Pacific in support of the maritime security of the region.

India will soon make a major maritime security statement after INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant carrier task forces which includes nearly 15 warships will travel to Minicoy Islands with naval brass to inaugurate a naval base "INS Jatayu" on 04 - 05 Mar.

India's defence minister will be on board.

 The Indian Navy plans to hold the first phase of the Combined Commanders Conference on board Indian aircraft carriers with the two Armadas travelling from Goa to Karwar to Minicoy Islands to Kochi.

The second phase of the commanders' conference will be held 06 07 Mar.

While India is already developing its force capability in Andaman and Nicobar Islands with new facilities at Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar, the move to upgrade the Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands will not only protect commercial shipping but also lead to infrastructure upgrades and tourism in the island territories.

The Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands sit on the nine-degree channel through which billions of dollars' worth of commercial trade passes through, while en route to South East Asia and North Asia. Minicoy Islands is a mere 524 km from Maldives.

The geographical location of Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is such that India can safeguard the maritime trade routes while countering the challenge of the rapidly expanding Chinese Navy and their supplicants in the Indian Ocean.

Tailpiece.

Got up at my usual time, the chores and was ready past 9. Sajish had come on the dot by a half past 8. Wound up our stay at Hotel Gokulam Sabari, tapped the Indraprastha and set off for Varenya-Peter reception at the Holiday Inn at Palarivattom.

It was great to be with Leela chittamma and her near and dear ones. And wasn't she thrilled to see us!?

The Quarterdeck has to go a long way to reach our standards.

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