Indian Navy is commissioning INS JATAYU at Minicoy Island. The Navy’s first base on the islands, INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti, was commissioned in 2012. Now, the second naval base aims to bolster security infrastructure at the strategically crucial Lakshadweep Islands.

Indian Navy commissions INS Jatayu

The Indian Navy Chief Indian Navy Chief R. Hari Kumar spoke to Wion on board INS Vikrant, India's first Make in India Aircraft Carriers. Speaking to our correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, INS Jatayu Naval base will help in "augment the capabilities". The Base was commissioned in Minicoy, Lakshadweep. He spoke on red sea crisis, the Maldives China engagement, etc.

On board INS Vikrant, Indian Navy Chief R. Hari Kumar speaks to WION

Indian Navy is strengthening its presence near the Maldives. On March 6, the Indian Navy will be commissioning INS Jatayu, a new base in Lakshadweep, it will also be commissioning the first squadron of submarine-hunting MH-60R Seahawk helicopters- which will be based in Kochi. What does the Navy's growing presence in the Arabian Sea mean for India? What about the Maldives and China?

New base in Lakshadweep, Submarine-hunting choppers: Indian Navy strengthens presence near Maldives

India is reportedly building a Naval base at Minicoy, just over 450 kms from the Maldives's capital city Male. India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to travel to Minicoy in March to inaugurate INS Jatayu. What does the new base mean for India? What about the Maldives and China?

Gravitas: India builds a Naval base close to the Maldives

'Boycott Maldives' is gaining momentum in India. From businessmen to Bollywood celebs, all are taking part in 'Boycott Maldives' calls. While urging people to choose Indian destinations over foreign ones for vacations. Keep watching for more updates.

India-Maldives row: Amid row with India, Maldives urges China to send tourists

The Maldives had proposed a visit by President Mohamed Muizzu to India later this month. President Muizzu, who assumed office in November of last year, has so far visited Turkey, the UAE, and China, since coming to power, marking a departure from the tradition of making India the first foreign destination for a newly-elected Maldivian president. The India visit was proposed before the current diplomatic crisis erupted over derogatory remarks by the ministers of the Muizzu government. To know more watch this interview with Former Indian Diplomat, Bhaswati Mukherjee.

Maldives proposes visit by President Muizzu's to India

The Maldives had proposed a visit by President Mohamed Muizzu to India later this month. President Muizzu, who assumed office in November of last year, has so far visited Turkey, the UAE, and China, since coming to power, marking a departure from the tradition of making India the first foreign destination for a newly-elected Maldivian president. The India visit was proposed before the current diplomatic crisis erupted over derogatory remarks by the ministers of the Muizzu government.

Maldives faces heat over Anti-India comments, proposes Muizzu's visit to India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his trip to the Union Territory of Lakshwadeep but he still seems to be spellbound by the beauty of the scenic islands. Watch the video to know more.

India: Pm Modi goes snorkelling in Lakshwadeep, thanks people of the island for their hospitality

<p>A joint operation between India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has led to the seizure of 218 packets of high-grade heroin, from two fishing boats. In what is being called an intelligence-driven operation, ICG ship 'Sujeet' along with its crew and&nbsp;DRI officials maintained a strict vigil over India's Exclusive Economic Zone, since 7th May. It was on 18th May that they intercepted Indian fishing boats 'Prince' and 'Little Jesus' carrying the contraband, off Lakshadweep islands in India's Western coast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to authorities, they launched 'Operation Khojbeen' based on specific intelligence that two Indian boats would be sailing from the coast of Tamil Nadu and would receive narcotics in huge quantity somewhere in the Arabian sea, during the second or third week of May.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-looking-to-construct-military-bases-in-pakistan-report-480699" hreflang="en">China looking to construct military outposts in Pakistan: Report</a></p>

<p>On being questioned, the boats' crew confessed to have received heroin in huge quantities while at the high seas and having concealed it in their boats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After being taken to Coast guard Headquarters, Kochi, searching of the boats revealed 218 packets of heroin, each of which contained&nbsp;carried 1kg of the drug each. The seized contraband is estimated to have a value Rs1526 crores (Rs 15.26 billion), in the international market. It was added that seizure proceedings under the provisions of NDPS Act, 1985 are being undertaken by the DRI. As part of investigations, further searches are also underway at multiple locations, they added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-first-case-of-omicron-ba4-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-new-covid-variant-480746" hreflang="en">India reports first case of Omicron BA.4. Here’s all you need to know</a></p>

<p>According to the agency, this is the fourth major drug bust by DRI in the past one month. Earlier, DRI recovered 205.6 kg heroin from a commercial import consignment of gypsum powder at the Kandla port on 20th April, 396 kg of yarn (laced with heroin) at Pipavav port on 29th April, and 62kg heroin at Air Cargo Complex, IGI New Delhi on 10th May, which are collectively valued at approximately Rs. 2,500 crores (Rs&nbsp;25 billion) in international illicit market.</p>

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A joint operation between India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has led to the seizure of 218 packets of high-grade heroin, from two fishing boats.

A joint operation between India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has led to the seizure of 218 packets of high-grade heroin, from two fishing boats. In what is being called an intelligence-driven operation, ICG ship 'Sujeet' along with its crew and DRI officials maintained a strict vigil over India's Exclusive Economic Zone, since 7th May. It was on 18th May that they intercepted Indian fishing boats 'Prince' and 'Little Jesus' carrying the contraband, off Lakshadweep islands in India's Western coast. According to authorities, they launched 'Operation Khojbeen' based on specific intelligence that two Indian boats would be sailing from the coast of Tamil Nadu and would receive narcotics in huge quantity somewhere in the Arabian sea, during the second or third week of May. Also read | China looking to construct military outposts in Pakistan: Report On being questioned, the boats' crew confessed to have received heroin in huge quantities while at the high seas and having concealed it in their boats. After being taken to Coast guard Headquarters, Kochi, searching of the boats revealed 218 packets of heroin, each of which contained carried 1kg of the drug each. The seized contraband is estimated to have a value Rs1526 crores (Rs 15.26 billion), in the international market. It was added that seizure proceedings under the provisions of NDPS Act, 1985 are being undertaken by the DRI. As part of investigations, further searches are also underway at multiple locations, they added. Also read | India reports first case of Omicron BA.4. Here’s all you need to know According to the agency, this is the fourth major drug bust by DRI in the past one month. Earlier, DRI recovered 205.6 kg heroin from a commercial import consignment of gypsum powder at the Kandla port on 20th April, 396 kg of yarn (laced with heroin) at Pipavav port on 29th April, and 62kg heroin at Air Cargo Complex, IGI New Delhi on 10th May, which are collectively valued at approximately Rs. 2,500 crores (Rs 25 billion) in international illicit market. WATCH WION LIVE HERE - You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

218kg heroin worth Rs 15.26 billion seized from fishing boats off India's west coast

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi today wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a comprehensive special financial package for Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep for the rehabilitation of the families of those fishermen who lost their lives due to Cyclone Ockhi.</p>

<p>In his first letter as the Congress chief to the prime minister, Gandhi also requested the latter to put in place adequate measures for strengthening the weather updating system and an advance cyclone warning communication mechanism in the coastal areas.</p>

<p>The Congress leader highlighted the sufferings of the cyclone-hit fishermen, whom he had met during his recent visit to Kerala and Tamil Nadu on December 14.</p>

<p>Gandhi also urged the prime minister for constructing seawalls and groynes along the vulnerable sea coasts of the two southern states.&nbsp;</p>


Rahul Gandhi demanded comprehensive special financial package for, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep for the rehabilitation of the families of those fishermen who lost their lives due to Cyclone Ockhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a comprehensive special financial package for Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep for the rehabilitation of the families of those fishermen who lost their lives due to Cyclone Ockhi. In his first letter as the Congress chief to the prime minister, Gandhi also requested the latter to put in place adequate measures for strengthening the weather updating system and an advance cyclone warning communication mechanism in the coastal areas. The Congress leader highlighted the sufferings of the cyclone-hit fishermen, whom he had met during his recent visit to Kerala and Tamil Nadu on December 14. Gandhi also urged the prime minister for constructing seawalls and groynes along the vulnerable sea coasts of the two southern states.

Rahul Gandhi writes to PM Modi, demands special package for cyclone-hit victims

<p>The cyclone Ockhi&nbsp;is likely to lose its intensity gradually from Sunday, said the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).</p>

<p>&quot;The very severe cyclonic storm &#39;Ockhi&#39; over Lakshadweep area and adjoining Southeast Arabian Sea further moved northwestwards with a speed of 15 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 2330 hrs IST of December 2, 2017 over the southeast Arabian Sea near Latitude 11.1&ordm; N and Longitude 69.7&ordm; E, about 330 km west of Amini Divi. The system is very likely to weaken gradually from today the December 3, 2017, morning,&quot; said IMD.</p>

<p>Moderate rain is also expected at a few places in Tamil Nadu &amp; Pondicherry during next 24 hours. Fishermen are asked not to venture into deep sea of north Tamil Nadu &amp; South Andhra coast till December 25th: S Balachandran, India Meteorological Department</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Moderate rain is expected at a few places in Tamil Nadu &amp; Pondicherry during next 24 hours. Fishermen are asked not to venture into deep sea of north Tamil Nadu &amp; South Andhra coast till December 25th: S Balachandran, MET department <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/n06CR1giuC">pic.twitter.com/n06CR1giuC</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937222597896372224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The storm has so far claimed 18 lives&nbsp;and has affected&nbsp;Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Lakshwadeep and neighbouring Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>Kerala and Tamil Nadu have declared compensation to the families of those who died in the storm.</p>

<p>Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also decided to ask the Centre to declare the Ockhi cyclone as a &#39;national calamity&#39;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala govt has decided to ask the Union government to declare <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OckhiCyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OckhiCyclone</a> a national calamity. The Chief Secretary has been entrusted to prepare the memorandum in this regard: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan <a href="https://t.co/pyCrT3dkva">pic.twitter.com/pyCrT3dkva</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937006103254130688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Saturday, several stranded fishermen were rescued during the massive search operations carried out by INS ships.</p>

<p>Along with air effort, six warships and two coast guard ships were deployed for the rescue operation, confirmed Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sitharaman further added that, 97 are yet to be rescued, 71 from Tamil Nadu have been rescued till now. The Coast Guard is at it, with all its strength to rescue the rest. Hoping for good news soon.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Claims of thousand fishermen stranded is false. Correct figures- 97 are yet to be rescued, 71 from TN have been rescued till now. The Coast Guard is at it, with all its strength to rescue the rest. Hoping for good news soon: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936977995469791232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The cyclone, which originated from Kanyakumari, made its way to Lakshadweep islands on Saturday morning causing massive destruction and claiming 14 lives.</p>

<p>It has intensified into &quot;severe cyclonic storm&quot;&nbsp;with wind reaching up to the speed of 60 to 70 km.</p>

<p>The deadly storm had also killed seven people in neighbouring Sri Lanka and affected the lives of nearly 20,000 people.</p>


The storm has so far claimed 18 lives and has affected?Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Lakshwadeep and neighbouring Sri Lanka.

The cyclone Ockhi is likely to lose its intensity gradually from Sunday, said the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). "The very severe cyclonic storm 'Ockhi' over Lakshadweep area and adjoining Southeast Arabian Sea further moved northwestwards with a speed of 15 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 2330 hrs IST of December 2, 2017 over the southeast Arabian Sea near Latitude 11.1º N and Longitude 69.7º E, about 330 km west of Amini Divi. The system is very likely to weaken gradually from today the December 3, 2017, morning," said IMD. Moderate rain is also expected at a few places in Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry during next 24 hours. Fishermen are asked not to venture into deep sea of north Tamil Nadu & South Andhra coast till December 25th: S Balachandran, India Meteorological Department Moderate rain is expected at a few places in Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry during next 24 hours. Fishermen are asked not to venture into deep sea of north Tamil Nadu & South Andhra coast till December 25th: S Balachandran, MET department #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/n06CR1giuC — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2017 × The storm has so far claimed 18 lives and has affected Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Lakshwadeep and neighbouring Sri Lanka. Kerala and Tamil Nadu have declared compensation to the families of those who died in the storm. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also decided to ask the Centre to declare the Ockhi cyclone as a 'national calamity'. Kerala govt has decided to ask the Union government to declare #OckhiCyclone a national calamity. The Chief Secretary has been entrusted to prepare the memorandum in this regard: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan pic.twitter.com/pyCrT3dkva — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × On Saturday, several stranded fishermen were rescued during the massive search operations carried out by INS ships. Along with air effort, six warships and two coast guard ships were deployed for the rescue operation, confirmed Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Sitharaman further added that, 97 are yet to be rescued, 71 from Tamil Nadu have been rescued till now. The Coast Guard is at it, with all its strength to rescue the rest. Hoping for good news soon. Claims of thousand fishermen stranded is false. Correct figures- 97 are yet to be rescued, 71 from TN have been rescued till now. The Coast Guard is at it, with all its strength to rescue the rest. Hoping for good news soon: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman #CycloneOckhi — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × The cyclone, which originated from Kanyakumari, made its way to Lakshadweep islands on Saturday morning causing massive destruction and claiming 14 lives. It has intensified into "severe cyclonic storm" with wind reaching up to the speed of 60 to 70 km. The deadly storm had also killed seven people in neighbouring Sri Lanka and affected the lives of nearly 20,000 people.

Cyclone Ockhi likely to weaken: Indian Meteorological Department

<p>Cyclone Ockhi battered Lakshadweep islands on Saturday causing severe destruction and claiming 14 lives with many fishermen still trapped at sea.</p>

<p>Several houses were damaged, coconut trees got uprooted and communication lines were also disrupted due to the rains accompanied by strong winds lashed in the island.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Early morning visuals from Lakshadweep; destruction caused by strong winds &amp; high tides. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/kO26bbSjlK">pic.twitter.com/kO26bbSjlK</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/936830628393136128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Over 200 fisherman was rescued by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), coast guard and Navy.</p>

<p>Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-will-further-intensify-in-next-24-hours-india-meteorological-department-25653"> Cyclone Ockhi will further intensify in next 24 hours: India Meteorological Department</a></p>

<p>The cyclone-hit areas have also been evacuated by thousands of people.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, assuring him of support operations including necessary funds.</p>

<p>According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the cyclone is expected to travel north towards Mumbai and Gujarat in next 48 hours, though it may lose its intensity.</p>

<p>Fishermen have also been warned not go to the sea for the next few days as waves are likely to be 12-15 feet high.</p>

<p>Cyclone Ockhi has also created massive destruction and claiming lives of atleast 10 people in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.</p>

<p>Now, it is expected to travel north towards Mumbai and Gujarat in the next 48 hours though it may lose its intensity, said Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)</p>

<p>The deadly storm has killed seven people in neighbouring Sri Lanka and affected the lives of nearly 20,000 people.</p>


Several houses were damaged, coconut trees got uprooted and communication lines were also disrupted due to the rains accompanied by strong winds lashed in the island

Cyclone Ockhi battered Lakshadweep islands on Saturday causing severe destruction and claiming 14 lives with many fishermen still trapped at sea. Several houses were damaged, coconut trees got uprooted and communication lines were also disrupted due to the rains accompanied by strong winds lashed in the island. Early morning visuals from Lakshadweep; destruction caused by strong winds & high tides. #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/kO26bbSjlK — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × Over 200 fisherman was rescued by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), coast guard and Navy. Also read: Cyclone Ockhi will further intensify in next 24 hours: India Meteorological Department The cyclone-hit areas have also been evacuated by thousands of people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, assuring him of support operations including necessary funds. According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the cyclone is expected to travel north towards Mumbai and Gujarat in next 48 hours, though it may lose its intensity. Fishermen have also been warned not go to the sea for the next few days as waves are likely to be 12-15 feet high. Cyclone Ockhi has also created massive destruction and claiming lives of atleast 10 people in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Now, it is expected to travel north towards Mumbai and Gujarat in the next 48 hours though it may lose its intensity, said Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) The deadly storm has killed seven people in neighbouring Sri Lanka and affected the lives of nearly 20,000 people.

At least 14 killed as cyclone Ockhi batters Lakshwadeep

<p>Cyclone Ockhi barrelled into the Lakshwadeep islands on Saturday after drenching the neighbouring states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, claiming so far around 14 lives with many fishermen still feared trapped at sea.</p>

<p>Authorities including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Coast Guard and Navy have rescued about 223 fishermen and evacuated thousands of people from cyclone-hit areas, officials said, as they continued their operations on Saturday.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, assuring him of support operations including necessary funds, according to local media.</p>

<p>Ockhi is expected to travel north towards Mumbai and Gujarat in the next 48 hours, according to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Director S. Sudevan in Trivandrum, though it is likely to lose intensity.</p>

<p>&quot;The intensity of the wind may come down and the cyclone could change into depression,&quot; Sudevan said adding fishermen have been warned not go to the sea for the next few days as waves are likely to be 3-5 metres (12-15 feet) high.</p>

<p>Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-ockhi-will-further-intensify-in-next-24-hours-india-meteorological-department-25653"> Cyclone Ockhi will further intensify in next 24 hours: India Meteorological Department</a></p>


Coast Guard and Navy have rescued about 223 fishermen and evacuated thousands of people from cyclone hit areas

Cyclone Ockhi barrelled into the Lakshwadeep islands on Saturday after drenching the neighbouring states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, claiming so far around 14 lives with many fishermen still feared trapped at sea. Authorities including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Coast Guard and Navy have rescued about 223 fishermen and evacuated thousands of people from cyclone-hit areas, officials said, as they continued their operations on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, assuring him of support operations including necessary funds, according to local media. Ockhi is expected to travel north towards Mumbai and Gujarat in the next 48 hours, according to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Director S. Sudevan in Trivandrum, though it is likely to lose intensity. "The intensity of the wind may come down and the cyclone could change into depression," Sudevan said adding fishermen have been warned not go to the sea for the next few days as waves are likely to be 3-5 metres (12-15 feet) high. Also read: Cyclone Ockhi will further intensify in next 24 hours: India Meteorological Department

Cyclone Ockhi batters Lakshwadeep coast killing 14, many missing

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