The Indian Navy maintains a hawk eye in the Indian Ocean region, especially in the North and Central Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy is emerging as the primary maritime force and guardian rescuing international vessels from sea pirates and terrorists alike. How is India establishing itself as a first responder in the Indian Ocean region? Who are the Indian marine commandos striking fear in the hearts of sea pirates? What makes India a pivotal maritime force to reckon with? Watch Game Plan with Shivan Chanana.

India now a formidable naval force in the Indian Ocean: Here's the proof

The Indian Navy has rescued Pakistanis from Somali Pirates in the Arabian Sea. The Pakistanis were sailing in an Iranian fishing vessel that was hijacked by the pirates. Why did China not come to the rescue of the Pakistanis? Where was the great Western Armada? Time and again, India has rescued distressed ships in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Watch to know more!

India becomes the new security provider in the Arabian Sea

Amidst the raging security crisis in the Middle East and the adjoining seas, the Indian Navy is emerging as a reliable, net security provider in the region. In a second anti-piracy mission within 24 hours, the Indian Navy rescued 19 crew members and a vessel from armed Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea. The warship, INS Sumitra, successfully saved the fishing vessel Al Naeemi and freed 19 Pakistani nationals from the grip of 11 Somali pirates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw2zShG8MlmMwOQGWSJAnfjl" data-ved="2ahUKEwi9w-iExYSEAxVpTWwGHSvAADAQvOMEKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-frees-iranian-fishing-boat-hijacked-off-somalia-684788" jsname="YKoRaf">Indian Navy frees Iranian fishing boat hijacked off Somalia</a>

Earlier on Sunday, the Navy responded to distress calls from a hijacked Iranian vessel Iman, which had been hijacked by pirates.

<h2>MARCOs: The men behind anti-piracy operations</h2>

Behind these daring sea operations are India’s elite marine commandos or MARCOs, firmly committed to combating piracy and all sorts of security threats in the Indian waters and beyond. Let’s know more about the MARCOs:

<ol>
	<li>MARCOs are among India’s top elite commando forces, besides the National Security Guard, Garud, Para commandos, Force One, and others. The force was formed in 1987. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>These men are the toughest soldiers, always looking after the seas and ready to undertake any operation with confidence induced by rigorous training and advanced weapons. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>MARCOs are modelled on the US Navy SEALS. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>What makes MARCOs different from other forces is their capability to act swiftly in diverse and adverse conditions and environments. Nothing is beyond their limits, be it sky, water or land. They also coordinate with the Indian Army in sensitive locations of the country and conduct joint operations. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>MARCOs are also dubbed as ‘the Fearless’, with their motto being: The few The fearless. They have also displayed their immense courage in the country’s key rescue efforts and cyclone operations. MARCOs are also well-known and appreciated for their contribution to the security measures taken following the deadly 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Their involvement in the Sri Lankan civil war is also acknowledged and appreciated both by Indians and Sri Lankans. During the late 1980s, they played a crucial role in seizing control of key territories held by LTTE fighters and restoring peace in the war-torn country.</li>
</ol>

(With inputs from agencies)

Amidst the raging security crisis in the Middle East and the adjoining seas, the Indian Navy is emerging as a reliable, net security provider in the region. In a second anti-piracy mission within 24 hours, the Indian Navy rescued 19 crew members and a vessel from armed Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea.

Amidst the raging security crisis in the Middle East and the adjoining seas, the Indian Navy is emerging as a reliable, net security provider in the region. In a second anti-piracy mission within 24 hours, the Indian Navy rescued 19 crew members and a vessel from armed Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea. The warship, INS Sumitra, successfully saved the fishing vessel Al Naeemi and freed 19 Pakistani nationals from the grip of 11 Somali pirates. Also read: Indian Navy frees Iranian fishing boat hijacked off Somalia Earlier on Sunday, the Navy responded to distress calls from a hijacked Iranian vessel Iman, which had been hijacked by pirates. MARCOs: The men behind anti-piracy operations Behind these daring sea operations are India’s elite marine commandos or MARCOs, firmly committed to combating piracy and all sorts of security threats in the Indian waters and beyond. Let’s know more about the MARCOs: MARCOs are among India’s top elite commando forces, besides the National Security Guard, Garud, Para commandos, Force One, and others. The force was formed in 1987. These men are the toughest soldiers, always looking after the seas and ready to undertake any operation with confidence induced by rigorous training and advanced weapons. MARCOs are modelled on the US Navy SEALS. What makes MARCOs different from other forces is their capability to act swiftly in diverse and adverse conditions and environments. Nothing is beyond their limits, be it sky, water or land. They also coordinate with the Indian Army in sensitive locations of the country and conduct joint operations. MARCOs are also dubbed as ‘the Fearless’, with their motto being: The few The fearless. They have also displayed their immense courage in the country’s key rescue efforts and cyclone operations. MARCOs are also well-known and appreciated for their contribution to the security measures taken following the deadly 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. Their involvement in the Sri Lankan civil war is also acknowledged and appreciated both by Indians and Sri Lankans. During the late 1980s, they played a crucial role in seizing control of key territories held by LTTE fighters and restoring peace in the war-torn country. (With inputs from agencies)

Who are MARCOs? India’s toughest men conducting anti-piracy operations in Arabian Sea. 6 key facts

After recent attacks, fees for using Suez Canal rises in Red Sea. Ships now using the longer route around the cape of good hope. Watch to know more!

Red Sea Crisis: Fees for using Suez Canal skyrocket amid recent attacks

Houthi attacks hit global grain supply chain. In the Red Sea, American strikes against the Houthis have not deterred the militants and president Joe Biden agrees. In fact, right after Biden said the U.S. Strikes in Yemen have not stopped attacks in the red sea, Houthi forces launched yet another missile attack on a us-owned vessel. Watch to know more!

Red Sea Crisis: Houthis attack hit global supply chain & grain shipment through Suez canal

Yemen's Houthis target U.S. ship in the Gulf of Aden. Watch this video to know more.

Indian Navy specialists board attacked US vessel in Gulf of Aden

The Indian Navy on Friday rescued the crew of a merchant vessel after its attempted hijack in the Arabian Sea and said it had not found any pirates on board. An Indian Navy warship intercepted the Liberian-flagged MV Lila Norfolk bulk carrier less than a day after it received a report that the vessel had been hijacked about 460 nautical miles off Somalia.

Indian Navy rescues hijacked vessel in Arabian Sea | Arabian Sea Hijack Attempt

India Navy rescues bulk carrier crew after Arabian Sea hijack attempt

The Indian Navy has enhanced maritime surveillance efforts in central as well as northern parts of Arabian Sea. This comes amid the rising incidents of attacks on merchant vessels transiting through international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and central/north Arabian Sea.

Indian Navy responds to hijack attempt in Arabian Sea

Indian navy intercepts liberian-flagged vessel hijacked in the arabian sea. In a swift response indian navy reaches the hijacked vessel in just over three hours. Indian naval commandos rescue 15 crew aboard.

Piracy incidents rise in central Arabian sea

Indian Navy sends INS Chennai, maritime patrol aircraft to assist hijacked vessel in Arabian Sea

Indian Navy responds to hijack attempt in Arabian Sea, deploys INS Chennai

In a high voltage drama unfolding in the high seas, Indian naval warship INS Chennai reached the hijacked vessel MV Lila Norfolk off Somalia coast on Friday and issued a warning to the pirates on board to abandon the vessel.

Indian Navy reaches hijacked ship, launches helicopters & issues warning to pirates

Another hijack attempt of Indian Navy ship in Arabian Sea, Indian warship moving towards vessel

Indian Navy steps up Arabian Sea security, deploys frontline destroyers | WION Newspoint

Indian Navy steps up Arabian Sea security, deploys frontline destroyers

The Indian Navy has increased surveillance in the north and central parts of the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden after frequent security issues were reported on merchant vessels which were sailing through international shipping lanes. 
 
Naval task groups, which comprised destroyers and frigates, were deployed to undertake a maritime security operation and provide help to merchant vessels in case any security issues are faced by them, said the navy, in a statement on Sunday (Dec 31). 
 
The navy added it is also working closely with the Coast Guard to check new security risks in the Indian Ocean. 
 
“The piracy incident on MV Ruen approximately 700 nautical miles from the Indian coast and the recent drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, approximately 220 nautical miles South West of Porbandar indicates a shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian EEZ. The overall situation is being closely monitored by the Indian Navy in coordination with national maritime agencies. Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region,” said the Indian Navy, in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-centres-report-highlights-maritime-security-threat-from-drone-attacks-in-indian-ocean-region-673945">Indian Navy centre's report highlights maritime security threat from drone attacks in Indian Ocean region</a>

“In view of the increased maritime security incidents on merchant vessels transiting through international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Central/ North Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has substantially enhanced maritime surveillance efforts in Central/ North Arabian Sea and augmented force levels. Task Groups comprising destroyers and frigates have been deployed to undertake maritime security operations and render assistance to merchant vessels in case of any incident. Aerial surveillance by long-range maritime patrol aircraft and RPAs has been enhanced to have complete maritime domain awareness. Towards effective surveillance of EEZ, the Indian Navy is operating in close co-ordination with the Indian Coast Guard,” it added.

Indian Navy officials further stated that directions were issued by Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar to take all possible actions for enhancing security in the Arabian Sea region. They have been asked to remain on the lookout for any suspicious activity and further directed to carry out thorough checks of all the suspicious boats to ensure the safety of merchant vessels and mariners.

<h2 lang="en-US">Indian Navy takes step days after attack on MV Chem Pluto</h2>

The move has been taken by the Indian Navy days after a drone hit merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto, nearly 400 km off the Indian coastline.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian navy begins investigation into incident in Arabian Sea involving attack on MT Chem Pluto

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-navy-begins-investigation-into-incident-in-arabian-sea-involving-attack-on-mt-chem-pluto-673449/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The ship, which had 21 crew members - 20 Indians and a Vietnamese, reached the Mumbai port under the Coast Guard ship Vikram's protection on December 26, two days after it was hit in the Arabian Sea. 
 
Apart from frigates and destroyers, the Indian Navy has deployed maritime patrol aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Navy has increased surveillance in the north and central parts of the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden after frequent security issues were reported on merchant vessels which were sailing through international shipping lanes.

The Indian Navy has increased surveillance in the north and central parts of the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden after frequent security issues were reported on merchant vessels which were sailing through international shipping lanes. Naval task groups, which comprised destroyers and frigates, were deployed to undertake a maritime security operation and provide help to merchant vessels in case any security issues are faced by them, said the navy, in a statement on Sunday (Dec 31). The navy added it is also working closely with the Coast Guard to check new security risks in the Indian Ocean. “The piracy incident on MV Ruen approximately 700 nautical miles from the Indian coast and the recent drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, approximately 220 nautical miles South West of Porbandar indicates a shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian EEZ. The overall situation is being closely monitored by the Indian Navy in coordination with national maritime agencies. Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region,” said the Indian Navy, in a statement. Also read: Indian Navy centre's report highlights maritime security threat from drone attacks in Indian Ocean region “In view of the increased maritime security incidents on merchant vessels transiting through international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Central/ North Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has substantially enhanced maritime surveillance efforts in Central/ North Arabian Sea and augmented force levels. Task Groups comprising destroyers and frigates have been deployed to undertake maritime security operations and render assistance to merchant vessels in case of any incident. Aerial surveillance by long-range maritime patrol aircraft and RPAs has been enhanced to have complete maritime domain awareness. Towards effective surveillance of EEZ, the Indian Navy is operating in close co-ordination with the Indian Coast Guard,” it added. Indian Navy officials further stated that directions were issued by Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar to take all possible actions for enhancing security in the Arabian Sea region. They have been asked to remain on the lookout for any suspicious activity and further directed to carry out thorough checks of all the suspicious boats to ensure the safety of merchant vessels and mariners. Indian Navy takes step days after attack on MV Chem Pluto The move has been taken by the Indian Navy days after a drone hit merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto, nearly 400 km off the Indian coastline. Watch: Indian navy begins investigation into incident in Arabian Sea involving attack on MT Chem Pluto The ship, which had 21 crew members - 20 Indians and a Vietnamese, reached the Mumbai port under the Coast Guard ship Vikram's protection on December 26, two days after it was hit in the Arabian Sea. Apart from frigates and destroyers, the Indian Navy has deployed maritime patrol aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Navy steps up surveillance in Arabian Sea amid rise in drone attacks

The Indian navy has highlighted the increasing peril of drone attacks in the Red Sea and northern Arabian Sea. Its November 2023 security report on the Indian Ocean on the threat comes amid this month's attack on two India-bound vessels M-V Chem Pluto and M-V Sai Baba. The report calls the trend a growing cause of concern for commercial shipping, and global trade transiting through the Indian Ocean region.

India warns seafarers of drone attacks urges to stay vigilant; Report comes amid 2 attacks on ships

The merchant ship MV Chem Pluto which was attacked by a drone on Saturday will be arriving in Mumbai today. The vessel is being escorted by Indian Coast Guard ship Vikram. In response to the attack, the Indian Navy diverted a maritime patrol aircraft operating in Area. Naval maritime patrol aircraft flew over MV Chem Pluto and established contact.

US alleges Iran behind attack drone attack on MV Chem Pluto in Arabian Sea

In a post on X, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated, "We will find the mastermind of the attack from the bottom of the sea." Singh continued, "With friendly nations we keep sea lanes safe and secure for maritime commerce." India has increased its attempts to combat drone attacks and has deployed four warships.

We will find the culprit from the bottom of the sea: India's Defence Minister on vessel attack

Merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto reaches Mumbai two days after drone attack

The Indian Navy, responding to the missile strike incident that occurred in the Arabian Sea on MT Chem Pluto on Saturday (Dec 23), diverted a maritime patrol aircraft operating in the area while undertaking routine surveillance.&nbsp;

It also diverted the Indian naval ship Mormugao to assess the situation and provide assistance to MT Chem Pluto.

"The naval maritime patrol aircraft overflew MT Chem Pluto at 1315 h on 23 Dec and established contact with the crew. The crew reported all 22 crew members to be safe and that the fire had been extinguished. Navy also communicated details of the developing situation to all Indian maritime agencies for rendering necessary assistance," the Indian Navy said in a statement.

"Indian Naval Ship Mormugao communicated with MT Chem Pluto at 1930 h on 23 Dec 23 to ascertain if any assistance was required. CGS Vikram, also present at the scene, was directed to escort the vessel to Mumbai. Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialist will be embarking MV Chem Pluto on arrival at Mumbai to sanitise the vessel and undertake further investigation," it further said in a statement.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianNavy</a> swiftly responded to a maritime incident in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArabianSea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArabianSea</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/23Dec?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#23Dec</a> 
 
Liberian Flagged MV <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChemPluto?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChemPluto</a> transiting approx 220nm South West of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Porbandar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Porbandar</a> reportedly hit by missile/drone 
 
Indian Naval MPA overflew MV 1315h, ascertained safety of crew<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INSMormugao?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INSMormugao</a> arrived at…
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/1738939847488983050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Indian Navy further said that it would continue to monitor the situation very closely, further adding that it remains committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-strike-indian-flagged-oil-tanker-with-drone-in-red-sea-us-military-673011">Houthis strike Indian-flagged oil tanker with drone in Red Sea: US military</a>

<h2>Missile strike hits merchant ship off India’s coast&nbsp;</h2>

A missile strike damaged MV Chem Pluto off India's coast on Saturday (Dec 23) morning which was carrying crude oil and was heading towards Mangalore from a port in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

This happened amidst heightened tensions in the Red Sea, particularly with ongoing drone and missile strikes by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on a crucial shipping lane.

In the incident, which transpired on Saturday (Dec 23), there were no casualties reported. However, there was a brief fire onboard the tanker which was successfully extinguished.

The incident involving the MV Chem Pluto is crucial as it led to the Pentagon openly accusing Tehran of its misdoings, by directly targeting ships, for the first time.

Notably, this incident follows a similar suspected drone attack on an Israeli-owned cargo ship in the Indian Ocean last month. The Red Sea attacks during the Israel-Hamas war have led major shipping firms to reroute vessels around the southern tip of Africa due to heightened security concerns.

Amid the evolving situation, an official from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard warned of the potential forced "closure of other waterways" as well in case Israel fails to stop the ongoing war with the Hamas militant group.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Navy, responding to the missile strike incident that occurred in the Arabian Sea on MT Chem Pluto on Saturday (Dec 23), diverted a maritime patrol aircraft operating in the area while undertaking routine surveillance.

The Indian Navy, responding to the missile strike incident that occurred in the Arabian Sea on MT Chem Pluto on Saturday (Dec 23), diverted a maritime patrol aircraft operating in the area while undertaking routine surveillance. It also diverted the Indian naval ship Mormugao to assess the situation and provide assistance to MT Chem Pluto. "The naval maritime patrol aircraft overflew MT Chem Pluto at 1315 h on 23 Dec and established contact with the crew. The crew reported all 22 crew members to be safe and that the fire had been extinguished. Navy also communicated details of the developing situation to all Indian maritime agencies for rendering necessary assistance," the Indian Navy said in a statement. "Indian Naval Ship Mormugao communicated with MT Chem Pluto at 1930 h on 23 Dec 23 to ascertain if any assistance was required. CGS Vikram, also present at the scene, was directed to escort the vessel to Mumbai. Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialist will be embarking MV Chem Pluto on arrival at Mumbai to sanitise the vessel and undertake further investigation," it further said in a statement. #IndianNavy swiftly responded to a maritime incident in #ArabianSea on #23Dec Liberian Flagged MV #ChemPluto transiting approx 220nm South West of #Porbandar reportedly hit by missile/drone Indian Naval MPA overflew MV 1315h, ascertained safety of crew#INSMormugao arrived at… — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 24, 2023 × Indian Navy further said that it would continue to monitor the situation very closely, further adding that it remains committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region. Also read: Houthis strike Indian-flagged oil tanker with drone in Red Sea: US military Missile strike hits merchant ship off India’s coast A missile strike damaged MV Chem Pluto off India's coast on Saturday (Dec 23) morning which was carrying crude oil and was heading towards Mangalore from a port in Saudi Arabia. This happened amidst heightened tensions in the Red Sea, particularly with ongoing drone and missile strikes by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on a crucial shipping lane. In the incident, which transpired on Saturday (Dec 23), there were no casualties reported. However, there was a brief fire onboard the tanker which was successfully extinguished. The incident involving the MV Chem Pluto is crucial as it led to the Pentagon openly accusing Tehran of its misdoings, by directly targeting ships, for the first time. Notably, this incident follows a similar suspected drone attack on an Israeli-owned cargo ship in the Indian Ocean last month. The Red Sea attacks during the Israel-Hamas war have led major shipping firms to reroute vessels around the southern tip of Africa due to heightened security concerns. Amid the evolving situation, an official from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard warned of the potential forced "closure of other waterways" as well in case Israel fails to stop the ongoing war with the Hamas militant group. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Navy responds swiftly to maritime incident in Arabian Sea

Indian navy begins investigation into incident in Arabian Sea involving attack on MT Chem Pluto

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