>Ronherry at 05:46, 8 June 2021

2021-06-08T05:46:02Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2020}}
{{Infobox military installation
|name = INS Dweeprakshak
|native_name =
|partof =
|location = [[Kavaratti]], [[Lakshadweep Islands]]
|image =
|caption =
|map_type =
|map_size =
|map_alt =
|map_caption =
|type = Naval station
|coordinates =
|code =
|built = {{Start date|2012}}
|builder =
|materials =
|height =
|used = 2012–present
|demolished =
|condition =
|ownership =
|open_to_public =
|controlledby = [[Indian Navy]]
|garrison =
|current_commander =
|commanders =
|occupants = [[Southern Naval Command]]
|battles =
|events =
|image2 =
|caption2 =
}}

'''INS Dweeprakshak''' is a [[naval base]] of the [[Southern Naval Command]] of the [[Indian Navy]] located on [[Kavaratti]] island in the [[Lakshadweep]] archipelago.<ref name=hindu-lakshadweep>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/navy-commissions-fullscale-station-in-lakshadweep/article3370886.ece|title=Navy commissions full-scale station in Lakshadweep|date=1 May 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=19 January 2020}}</ref> It was commissioned on 30 April 2012.<ref name=ndtv-lakshadweep>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/indian-navy-gets-new-base-in-lakshadweep-islands-204332|title=Indian Navy gets new base in Lakshadweep islands|publisher=NDTV|date=2012-04-30|access-date=2012-05-04}}</ref>

==History==
The Indian Navy has deployed detachments to the Lakshadweep Islands since [[independence of India|independence]]. The Lakshadweep islands were a part of the [[Madras Presidency]] under the [[British Raj]] and in accordance with the [[Indian Independence Act 1947]], enacted by the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|British parliament]], the islands were transferred to the new [[Dominion of India|Union of India]]. Though the Madras Presidency had an overwhelming Hindu majority, the islands had a Muslim majority. Hence, it seemed possible that the new [[dominion]] of [[Dominion of Pakistan|Pakistan]] might seek to lay claim to the islands. On the orders of [[Vallabhbhai Patel]], the first [[Minister for Home Affairs (India)|Home Minister]] and [[Deputy Prime Minister of India]], a ship of the [[Royal Indian Navy]] was sent to the islands to hoist the Indian national flag and ensure the islands' integration into the Union of India. Hours after the arrival of the Indian ship, vessels of the [[Royal Pakistan Navy]] were seen near the islands, but after observing Indian naval presence they returned to [[Karachi]].{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}

The navy has maintained permanent facilities on Kavaratti island since the 1980s.<ref name=jagran-lakshadweep>{{cite news|url=http://post.jagran.com/navy-strengthens-presence-in-lakshadweep-with-new-base-1335813145|title=Navy strengthens presence in Lakshadweep with new base|publisher=Jagran Post|date=2012-05-01|access-date=2012-05-04}}</ref> The islands are en route on vital shipping lanes from the Indian mainland to the [[Persian Gulf]]. With increasing threats, such as attacks by [[Somali pirates]],<ref name=telegraph-pirates>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120501/jsp/nation/story_15439613.jsp|title=New Navy island base to fob off pirates|publisher=The Telegraph|date=2012-04-30|access-date=2012-05-04}}</ref> the island territory has grown in relevance to Indian security considerations.<ref name=hindu-lakshadweep/> ''INS Dweeprakshak'' was hence commissioned to provide support facilities for naval vessels based on the islands, as well as to enhance surveillance capabilities over shipping lanes.

''INS Dweeprakshak'' was commissioned on 30 April 2012 by Vice Admiral Krishnan Nair Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Southern Naval Command. Captain S. M. Hanchinal was the first Commanding Officer of the base.<ref name=hindu-lakshadweep/>

==See also==
; Indian navy
* [[List of Indian Navy bases]]
* [[List of active Indian Navy ships]]

; Integrated commands and units
* [[Armed Forces Special Operations Division]]
* [[Defence Cyber Agency]]
* [[Integrated Defence Staff]]
* [[Integrated Space Cell]]
* [[Nuclear Command Authority (India)|Indian Nuclear Command Authority]]
* [[Indian Armed Forces]]
* [[Special Forces of India]]

; Other lists
* [[Strategic Forces Command]]
* [[List of Indian Air Force stations]]
* [[List of Indian Navy bases]]
* [[List of countries with overseas military bases#India|India's overseas military bases]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{commons category|INS Dweeprakshak}}
{{Indian Navy}}

[[Category:Indian Navy bases|Dweeprakshak]]

INS Dweeprakshak - Revision history

>Ronherry at 05:46, 8 June 2021