Indian Navy bolsters security in Indian ocean region
In a statement delivered on Saturday, Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Indian Navy, underscored the commitment of the naval force to bolster security measures in the Indian Ocean Region. This assurance follows the noteworthy anti-piracy operations conducted by the Indian Navy in the past 100 days.
Addressing queries during a press conference at the newly inaugurated Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi, Admiral Kumar highlighted that no Indian-flagged vessel had fallen victim to Houthi attacks at sea.
Earlier in the day, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kolkata, transporting 35 pirates apprehended in a recent operation off the Somali coast, docked at Mumbai, as confirmed by the Navy. These individuals were subsequently handed over to the Mumbai police for further legal proceedings under Indian statutes, particularly the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act of 2022.
Admiral Kumar recounted the dramatic mid-sea operation executed by the Navy in conjunction with the Indian Air Force (IAF), culminating in the cessation of a three-month hijacking of a bulk carrier. This mission involved the deployment of INS Kolkata, long-endurance Sea Guardian drones, P-8I surveillance aircraft, and the airdropping of elite MARCOS commandos from a C-17 plane. The operation resulted in the seizure of the former Maltese-flagged vessel, the rescue of 17 hostages, and the apprehension of 35 armed pirates. Experts have lauded this as the first successful takeover of a cargo ship from Somali pirates in approximately seven years, marking it as the largest operation conducted by the Indian Navy in the past decade.
Furthermore, Admiral Kumar emphasized the pivotal role played by the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act of 2022 in facilitating the efforts of security forces, particularly the Indian Navy, in combating piracy. He reiterated his earlier assertion regarding the legislation’s significant contribution to enhancing the Navy’s capabilities in countering piracy attempts.
Responding to inquiries regarding the Indian Navy’s perceived elevation as the primary responder, Admiral Kumar remarked, “Bharat is on the trajectory to becoming a great power.” He emphasized the correlation between great power status and heightened responsibilities, affirming the Indian Navy’s unwavering determination to safeguard national interests in the maritime domain through protection, preservation, promotion, and pursuit.
