The Indian Navy has commissioned 'INS Jatayu', a naval base on Minicoy Island (Maliku) on Wednesday, and has brought it into operations.
Minicoy Island is within India's Union Territory, and is the southern-most island of Lakshadweep.
Although Indian Navy has had some presence in Minicoy Island for years, this is the first time that a naval base has been set up in the island, a move expected to immensely strengthen Indian military power in the Indian Ocean.
Minicoy Island is located only 125km away from the Maldives.
Experts describe this move from India as a strong step taken in the power struggle ensuing in the face of weakening diplomatic ties between India and the present President Dr Mohamed Muizzu-led government of the Maldives, as Maldives is currently seen to be moving away from India and closer to China with regards to bilateral relations.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Indian Navy said that the newly established base will "strengthen its foothold in the Lakshadweep island while extending capacity building, operational reach, and sustenance in the region".
This naval base has been commissioned in Minicoy at a time when Indian Military personnel based in Maldives to operate emergency aircraft are being replaced with civilians from India through deliberations between the governments of both countries.
President Dr Muizzu has been working to remove the Indian military presence from Maldives since he assumed office, and through deliberations, the countries have agreed that all military personnel stationed in the country will be replaced by May 10 this year.
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