By building new naval stations, especially in the Lakshadweep Islands, India is proactively boosting its naval capabilities. This program is a component of a larger endeavor to protect strategic shipping lanes and combat escalating regional threats, particularly those posed by China.
In the Agatti and Minicoy Islands, the Indian Navy intends to build new air bases and renovate its current ones. By strengthening operational capabilities and boosting communication with the mainland, this development seeks to strengthen India’s foundation for maritime security.
The launch of INS Jatayu coincides with escalating regional tensions, especially in light of China’s growing sway over the Maldives. In order to guarantee that India keeps a sizable naval presence near vital maritime lanes, the new station acts as a strategic countermeasure.
Under the leadership of the Naval Officer-in-Charge for Lakshadweep, the Minicoy naval detachment was first established in the early 1980s. India’s dedication to improving its marine security infrastructure is demonstrated by the recent modifications that turn this detachment into a fully functional navy facility.
Due to their advantageous location along important trade routes, the Lakshadweep Islands see a high volume of commercial shipping. India hopes to protect these SLOCs from possible threats from maritime terrorism and piracy by building a strong naval presence.
INS Kadamba is a major naval base in Karnataka, India, close to Karwar. It is sometimes referred to as Naval Base Karwar or Project Seabird. Located near Binaga Bay, which is strategically located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, it is a base of operations for the Indian Navy.
Admiral Oscar Stanley Dawson came up with the concept for a special naval facility at Karwar in the early 1980s. Following the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, which brought to light security issues for the Indian Navy’s Mumbai-based Western Fleet as a result of traffic congestion from commercial vessels, the project acquired impetus.
In 1999, Project Seabird received formal approval after India’s nuclear tests (Pokhran-II). The base was put into service on May 31, 2005, following the completion of the first phase of construction in 2005.
After completing its planned Phase II development, INS Kadamba, which is currently India’s third-biggest naval post, is expected to become Asia’s largest naval complex. Up to 32 ships, submarines, and other support vessels can dock at the base.
A 350-meter-long pier that was opened in December 2024 is one recent construction that increases the base’s ability to accommodate warships and offshore patrol boats. Additionally, the infrastructure provides for logistical requirements like drinkable water and electricity. By enabling the docking of larger aircraft carriers and boosting the number of front-line vessels stationed at the base to 50, the second phase (Phase IIB) seeks to significantly improve capabilities.
Naval Base Karwar’s position is strategically important because it is close to important shipping lanes that connect East Asia and the Persian Gulf. It is intended to offer operational flexibility in the face of possible threats, especially those posed by Pakistan and other nearby nations. Large ships may land safely at the base’s deep-water harbor, strengthening India’s naval power in the area.
An essential part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command is the Vishakhapatnam Naval Base in Andhra Pradesh, India. India’s operational preparedness and marine security are greatly influenced by this base.
The Eastern Naval Command, which is in charge of naval operations in India’s eastern region, has its headquarters at the facility. Along with the Mumbai-based Western Naval Command, this command is one of the Indian Navy’s two main operating commands.
One of India’s most significant dockyards is the Naval Dockyard (Visakhapatnam), which was founded during World War II. It began as a repair workshop and has since grown into a significant ship maintenance and repair facility that supports both military and commercial maritime operations.
The Vishakhapatnam Naval Base has experienced substantial growth over time. The facility has been updated to suit contemporary naval vessels and features many ship repair workshops. Plans for additional growth are intended to improve its capacities as a
The base’s ability to protect maritime interests and carry out operations in the Indian Ocean Region is strengthened by its advantageous location along India’s east coast. It can facilitate a wide variety of naval tasks, such as fleet drills and anti-submarine warfare.
With a variety of ship classes, including destroyers, frigates, and submarines, the Eastern Fleet, based in Vishakhapatnam, enables extensive maritime operations.
Additionally, the base supports a number of naval aviation units and houses training facilities for navy personnel. Through demanding training programs, it plays a crucial part in preparing sailors for operational duty.
The base’s Naval Chart Depot contributes to regional maritime operations and navigation safety by offering vital hydrographic services.
Located in Port Blair, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, this naval base of the Indian Armed Forces is part of the joint-services Andaman and Nicobar Command. Although it was put into service in 1964, repair facilities weren’t established until 1979.
The base has the name of the Jarawa, an indigenous tribe of the Andaman Islands. The first significant vessel to call this station home was the amphibious warfare vessel INS Magar.
INS Utkrosh is a naval aviation station near INS Jarawa. In addition to a floating dock that serves as a home for multiple ships under the Andaman and Nicobar Command, there is a naval hospital called INHS Dhanvantari. Additionally, there is a tiny dock.
Situated on Minicoy Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, INS Jatayu is a recently established Indian Navy naval facility. This installation, which was formally opened on March 6, 2024, is the second naval establishment in the area after the 2012-founded INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti.
India’s marine security in the Indian Ocean is improved by INS Jatayu, which is located on Minicoy, the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, and overlooks vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs).
The Southern Naval Command is in charge of the base, which is run by the Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep). It was established with the intention of strengthening the Indian Navy’s capacity for surveillance, anti-narcotics, and anti-piracy operations.
Building an airport and housing facilities to support staff and operations are part of the plans for INS Jatayu. The base’s medical and logistical assistance will be improved by this improvement.
It is anticipated that the commissioning of INS Jatayu will greatly expand the Indian Navy’s operating capabilities and reach in the Arabian Sea, enabling faster reactions to local threats and improving communication with the mainland.
It is believed that the commissioning of INS Jatayu is a reaction to shifting geopolitical conditions, especially as India looks to offset China’s expanding military connections with nearby nations like the Maldives. India’s intention to project power and uphold stability in the Indian Ocean region is demonstrated by this action.
The Indian Navy’s ambitious project, INS Varsha, is intended to act as a specialized subterranean base for nuclear submarines. Here are the salient details:
This base is ideally located on the Bay of Bengal, about 70 km from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, close to Rambilli.
Including the Arihant-class and upcoming S5-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and assault submarines (SSNs), the base will accommodate more than 12 nuclear-powered submarines.
By offering a safe site for its sea-based nuclear deterrent against regional foes like China and Pakistan, INS Varsha seeks to strengthen India’s second-strike capabilities.
Because to the subsurface design, submarines can enter and escape without coming to the surface, reducing the possibility of being detected by hostile observation. In an area where naval competition is growing, this capability is essential for preserving operational security.
The facility, which is roughly 20 square kilometers in size and has numerous tunnels and support buildings, was built at an estimated cost of $3.75 billion.
To support effective naval operations, INS Varsha will have state-of-the-art docking facilities, repair yards, weapons storage, and cutting-edge command and control systems.
By 2025–2026, the facility should be operational, representing a major advancement in India’s naval capabilities.
In addition to improving maritime security for India, INS Varsha is expected to fortify cooperative security frameworks with allies including the US, Japan, and Australia as part of the Quad alliance. This is consistent with India’s overarching plan to demonstrate its power in the Indo-Pacific area.
India’s dedication to strengthening its naval might and protecting its maritime interests in a geopolitically complicated environment is embodied by INS Varsha.
In conclusion, India has greatly improved its marine capabilities with the strategic naval stations in the Lakshadweep Islands, which are intended to maintain peace and stability in a region that is becoming more and more disputed.
