India Plans to Build New Naval Base

The Indian Ministry of Defense stated today, Saturday, that "India intends to build a new naval base on one of the islands of the Lakshadweep archipelago, off the southwestern coast of the country, to enhance security in the region." The Indian Navy said in a statement: "The base will facilitate the operational efforts of the Indian Navy in combating piracy and drug trafficking in the western Arabian Sea." The Indian Navy will announce its plans to construct the (INS Jatayu) base on the island of Minicoy, located at the southernmost point of the Lakshadweep archipelago, next Wednesday. India has another base in the Lakshadweep archipelago, the (INS Dweeprakshak) base on Kavaratti Island.