Naval detachment set up at Lakshadweep’s Androth Island

A naval detachment aimed at enhancing the Navy's reach and surveillance of Arabian Sea waters was inaugurated in the island of Lakshadweep.

• The setting up of a naval detachment will extend Indian naval presence at Androth Island, provide communication network connectivity with mainland, enable Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC) monitoring and function as an Observance and reporting organisation, besides radar surveillance.
• Lakshadweep and Mnicoy Islands occupy a strategic location in the Arabian Sea. A number of shipping lanes pass close to these islands. Setting up of a naval detachment at Androth Island will enhance the Navy's reach and surveillance, and contribute significantly to strengthen maritime security and stability.
• A number of infrastructure facilities at naval units located on Kavaratti, Minicoy, Agatti and Androth islands are also being progressively upgraded.
• The naval detachment at Kavaratti was commissioned as a naval establishment, INS Dweeprakshak in 2012. Suitable ships are also being based at the islands to provide enhanced surveillance and immediate response capability.

Lakshadweep :
Capital - Kavaratti
Lakshadweep , formerly known as the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Aminidivi Islands is a group of islands in the Laccadive Sea, 200 to 440 kilometres  off the south western coast of India. The archipelago is a Union Territory and is governed by the Union Government of India.