India Readies To Become the Largest Naval Base East of the Suez Canal.

In a strategic move towards bolstering its maritime capabilities, the Indian Navy's operational base at INS Kadamba in Karwar, on the Western seacoast, has received a significant boost with the establishment of India's first ship-lift facility. This milestone positions INS Kadamba to potentially become the largest naval base east of the Suez Canal. Located closer to Pakistan, INS Kadamba offers the Indian Navy unprecedented operational flexibility, akin to the sprawling Norfolk naval base of the US Navy in Virginia. This development addresses historical challenges faced by the Navy, particularly during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, when the congested shipping lanes of Mumbai's commercial harbor hampered fleet movements. Project Seabird, christened INS Kadamba, marks the Navy's exclusive control over a strategic port, allowing unhindered positioning and maneuvering of operational fleets without interference from merchant vessels—a crucial advantage in times of conflict. The base's natural deep-water harbor, extensive land availability, and considerable depth can accommodate large warships, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, stealth frigates, and submarines. This infrastructure underscores India's naval preparedness and its strategic positioning in the Indian Ocean Region. INS Kadamba's ship-lift facility is a game-changer, enabling efficient docking, undocking, maintenance, and repair of submarines and warships. This capability streamlines operations, ensuring optimal readiness of the Navy's surface and submarine fleet. While Vishakhapatnam boasts the largest naval port in terms of berthing facilities on the eastern coast, it lacks the necessary depth for larger aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant. Similarly, Kochi and Mumbai face operational constraints due to depth restrictions and challenging approach channels, necessitating regular dredging and logistical complexities. Recent infrastructure enhancements at INS Kadamba, including a major pier for Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and residential accommodations, signify ongoing developments under Project Seabird Phase IIA. These improvements aim to accommodate a substantial fleet and support infrastructure, including dry berths, a naval dockyard, and logistical facilities. The development of INS Kadamba epitomizes India's strategic maritime vision, enhancing operational efficiency and readiness while reinforcing the nation's stature as a dominant maritime force in the region. As the Navy continues to modernize and expand its capabilities, INS Kadamba emerges as a pivotal keystone of India's naval prowess on the Western seacoast.