<p>India is committed to protecting freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region,&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday (Mar 19). He was speaking after Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev thanked him for the Indian Navy’s rescue operation of the hijacked ship MV Ruen that had Bulgarian nationals among the crew.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi responds to Bulgarian prez’s post</strong></h2>

<p>“We are happy that 7 Bulgarian nationals are safe and will be returning home soon,” said the Indian PM, in a post on X. He added, “India is committed to protecting freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Indian Navy warships, MARCOS, drones fight Somali pirates at sea. Are other navies afraid?</strong></p>

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<p>The response came a day after the Bulgarian president expressed his gratitude to the Indian PM for the Indian Navy’s “brave action” in rescuing the hijacked ship MV Ruen and its crew, which included seven citizens of the Balkan nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“My sincere gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for the brave action of Indian Navy rescuing the hijacked Bulgarian ship ‘Ruen’ and its crew, including 7 Bulgarian citizens,” said President Radev, on Monday (Mar 18), on X.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Appreciate your message President <a href="https://twitter.com/PresidentOfBg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PresidentOfBg</a> . We are happy that 7 Bulgarian nationals are safe and will be returning home soon. India is committed to protecting freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region. <a href="https://t.co/nIUaY6UJjP">https://t.co/nIUaY6UJjP</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1769922232816476288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>MV Ruen rescue operation</strong></h2>

<p>Over the weekend, the Indian Navy successfully intercepted and prevented Somali pirates from using the hijacked Malta-flagged cargo ship MV Ruen and prevented it from being used for acts of piracy on the high seas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navys-marcos-action-underway-against-somali-pirates-on-board-vessel-mv-ruen-700894">&nbsp;Indian Navy makes 35 Somali pirates on board MV Ruen surrender, rescues crew</a></strong></p>

<p>The vessel, ex-MV Ruen, which had been hijacked by Somali pirates on December 14, 2023, was intercepted by an Indian Navy warship, on Friday (Mar 15).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The operations conducted by the Indian Navy, which lasted for 40 hours, led 35 pirates to surrender and ensured the safe evacuation of 17 crew members who were from Bulgaria, Angola, and Myanmar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>INS Kolkata spearheaded the operation around 2,600 kilometres away from the Indian coast in adherence to international law. The primary objective was to rescue the vessel and civilians who were being held against their will by the pirates.</p>

<p>The operation also involved the Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS), who were swiftly deployed to secure the vessel and counter the piracy threat.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-navy-thwarts-somali-pirates-from-using-hijacked-vessel-for-acts-of-piracy-700653">Indian Navy thwarts Somali pirates from using hijacked vessel for 'acts of piracy'</a></strong></p>

<p>On Saturday, the Indian Air Force’s C-17 aircraft also conducted a precise airdrop of two boats alongside MARCOS commandos in the Arabian Sea to support the anti-piracy operation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, the Indian Navy said in a statement it is “committed to maritime security and safety of seafarers in the region”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India is committed to protecting freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday (Mar 19).

India is committed to protecting freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday (Mar 19). He was speaking after Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev thanked him for the Indian Navy’s rescue operation of the hijacked ship MV Ruen that had Bulgarian nationals among the crew. PM Modi responds to Bulgarian prez’s post “We are happy that 7 Bulgarian nationals are safe and will be returning home soon,” said the Indian PM, in a post on X. He added, “India is committed to protecting freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region.” WATCH | Gravitas: Indian Navy warships, MARCOS, drones fight Somali pirates at sea. Are other navies afraid? The response came a day after the Bulgarian president expressed his gratitude to the Indian PM for the Indian Navy’s “brave action” in rescuing the hijacked ship MV Ruen and its crew, which included seven citizens of the Balkan nation. “My sincere gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for the brave action of Indian Navy rescuing the hijacked Bulgarian ship ‘Ruen’ and its crew, including 7 Bulgarian citizens,” said President Radev, on Monday (Mar 18), on X. Appreciate your message President @PresidentOfBg . We are happy that 7 Bulgarian nationals are safe and will be returning home soon. India is committed to protecting freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region. https://t.co/nIUaY6UJjP — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 19, 2024 × MV Ruen rescue operation Over the weekend, the Indian Navy successfully intercepted and prevented Somali pirates from using the hijacked Malta-flagged cargo ship MV Ruen and prevented it from being used for acts of piracy on the high seas. Also Read | Indian Navy makes 35 Somali pirates on board MV Ruen surrender, rescues crew The vessel, ex-MV Ruen, which had been hijacked by Somali pirates on December 14, 2023, was intercepted by an Indian Navy warship, on Friday (Mar 15). The operations conducted by the Indian Navy, which lasted for 40 hours, led 35 pirates to surrender and ensured the safe evacuation of 17 crew members who were from Bulgaria, Angola, and Myanmar. INS Kolkata spearheaded the operation around 2,600 kilometres away from the Indian coast in adherence to international law. The primary objective was to rescue the vessel and civilians who were being held against their will by the pirates. The operation also involved the Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS), who were swiftly deployed to secure the vessel and counter the piracy threat. Also Read | Indian Navy thwarts Somali pirates from using hijacked vessel for 'acts of piracy' On Saturday, the Indian Air Force’s C-17 aircraft also conducted a precise airdrop of two boats alongside MARCOS commandos in the Arabian Sea to support the anti-piracy operation. Later, the Indian Navy said in a statement it is “committed to maritime security and safety of seafarers in the region”. (With inputs from agencies)

'India is committed to combating piracy': PM Modi responds after Bulgarian president praises Indian Navy

<p>In a dramatic demonstration of maritime security prowess, Indian Navy ship INS Sumitra successfully executed two consecutive anti-piracy operations off the East Coast of Somalia, freeing crew members and vessels from the clutches of armed Somali pirates.</p>

<p>The Indian warship, INS Sumitra, swiftly responded to distress calls, initiating a daring mission to rescue crew members held captive by pirates. The first operation involved the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel Al Naeemi, which had fallen prey to pirates, resulting in the abduction of 19 Pakistani nationals.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"INS Sumitra intercepted the FV (Fishing Vehicle) on PM 29 Jan 24 and through coercive posturing and effective deployment of her integral helo and boats compelled the safe release of the crew and the vessel", Navy statement said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Close up picture of Fishing Vessel Al Naeemi when it was under the custody of 11 Somali Pirates. Indian Navy had intervened to save it. <a href="https://t.co/eyXzjM2Cau">https://t.co/eyXzjM2Cau</a> <a href="https://t.co/p3C9PhTmZx">pic.twitter.com/p3C9PhTmZx</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1752181579122876537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a separate incident, INS Sumitra received another distress call concerning the hijacking of an Iranian flagged fishing vessel named FV Iman. With 17 Iranian nationals held hostage, the situation demanded immediate intervention.&nbsp;</p>

<p>INS Sumitra, an indigenous offshore patrol vessel of the Indian Navy, had been strategically deployed for anti-piracy and maritime security operations in the volatile regions of East Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-naval-ship-sumitra-rescues-hijacked-iranian-vessel-684981"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Indian Naval ship Sumitra rescues hijacked Iranian vessel</strong></a></p>

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<p>Its rapid response and relentless efforts within a span of less than 36 hours resulted in the rescue of two hijacked fishing vessels and 36 crew members, comprising 17 Iranian nationals and 19 Pakistani nationals.</p>

<p>"The Indian Navy has once again proved its commitment in the region to act against all maritime threats in order to ensure safety of all mariners and vessels at sea", Navy Pointed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The successful operations of INS Sumitra serve as a testament to the Indian Navy's unwavering dedication to safeguarding maritime interests and ensuring the safety of seafarers navigating through perilous waters plagued by piracy threats.</p>


In a dramatic demonstration of maritime security prowess, Indian Navy ship INS Sumitra successfully executed two consecutive anti-piracy operations off the East Coast of Somalia, freeing crew members and vessels from the clutches of armed Somali pirates.

In a dramatic demonstration of maritime security prowess, Indian Navy ship INS Sumitra successfully executed two consecutive anti-piracy operations off the East Coast of Somalia, freeing crew members and vessels from the clutches of armed Somali pirates. The Indian warship, INS Sumitra, swiftly responded to distress calls, initiating a daring mission to rescue crew members held captive by pirates. The first operation involved the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel Al Naeemi, which had fallen prey to pirates, resulting in the abduction of 19 Pakistani nationals. "INS Sumitra intercepted the FV (Fishing Vehicle) on PM 29 Jan 24 and through coercive posturing and effective deployment of her integral helo and boats compelled the safe release of the crew and the vessel", Navy statement said. Close up picture of Fishing Vessel Al Naeemi when it was under the custody of 11 Somali Pirates. Indian Navy had intervened to save it. https://t.co/eyXzjM2Cau pic.twitter.com/p3C9PhTmZx — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 30, 2024 × In a separate incident, INS Sumitra received another distress call concerning the hijacking of an Iranian flagged fishing vessel named FV Iman. With 17 Iranian nationals held hostage, the situation demanded immediate intervention. INS Sumitra, an indigenous offshore patrol vessel of the Indian Navy, had been strategically deployed for anti-piracy and maritime security operations in the volatile regions of East Somalia and the Gulf of Aden. Watch | Indian Naval ship Sumitra rescues hijacked Iranian vessel × Its rapid response and relentless efforts within a span of less than 36 hours resulted in the rescue of two hijacked fishing vessels and 36 crew members, comprising 17 Iranian nationals and 19 Pakistani nationals. "The Indian Navy has once again proved its commitment in the region to act against all maritime threats in order to ensure safety of all mariners and vessels at sea", Navy Pointed. The successful operations of INS Sumitra serve as a testament to the Indian Navy's unwavering dedication to safeguarding maritime interests and ensuring the safety of seafarers navigating through perilous waters plagued by piracy threats.

Indian Navy ship INS Sumitra rescues Pakistani, Iranian crew from Somali pirates

<p>A Chinese navy ship supported by an Indian navy helicopter thwarted an attack by suspected Somali pirates on a Tuvalu-flagged merchant ship, India&#39;s defence ministry said on Sunday.</p>

<p>The ship, known as OS 35, was reported to be under attack on Saturday.</p>

<p>The Indian defence ministry said four of its navy ships in the vicinity responded to a distress signal from the ship and reached the bulk carrier early on Sunday.</p>

<p>It said the crew had taken refuge in the ship&#39;s strong room, know as the citadel, once they learnt they were under attack in line with established safe shipping operating procedures.</p>

<p>&quot;An Indian Navy helicopter undertook aerial reconnaissance of the merchant vessel at night, and at sunrise ... (to) ascertain the location of pirates, if still on board,&quot; the defence ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>&quot;Subsequently ... a boarding party from the nearby Chinese Navy ship went on board the merchant ship, while the Indian Naval helicopter provided air cover for the operation.&quot;</p>

<p>China&#39;s defence ministry said in a statement a Chinese navy frigate on patrol in the area responded to the distress call from the ship, which it said had been hijacked by pirates. A helicopter conducted surveillance of the ship before 16 navy special forces soldiers were sent aboard to rescue the sailors.</p>

<p>It did not mention the Indian involvement.</p>

<p>The Indian defence ministry said all the 19 Filipino crew of the ship were safe and the captain of the ship thanked the Indian navy for their response and for providing air cover.</p>

<p>John Steed of aid group Oceans Beyond Piracy told Reuters the ship was sailing under navy escort to its next port.</p>

<p>The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which coordinates shipping in the Gulf of Aden area, said on its website the pirates had used a skiff to approach the vessel.</p>

<p>The attempted hijacking comes days after pirates seized an Indian dhow that was on route to Bossaso from Dubai.</p>

<p>Experts said some ship owners were becoming lax after a long period of calm, and that some were using a route known as the Socotra Gap, between Somalia and Socotra Island, to save time and cost regardless of the piracy risks.</p>

<p>At their peak in 2011, pirates launched 237 attacks off the coast of Somalia, according to the International Maritime Bureau, and took hundreds of hostages.</p>

<p>Their actions cost the world economy $7 billion and earned the pirates some $160 million in ransoms, according to the bureau.</p>

<p>China&#39;s defence ministry said Chinese navy ships had helped patrol the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters since 2008, responding to several pirate attacks and conducting a small number of rescues.</p>

<p>(Reuters)</p>


The Indian defence ministry said all the 19 Filipino crew of the ship were safe and the captain thanked the Indian navy for their response

A Chinese navy ship supported by an Indian navy helicopter thwarted an attack by suspected Somali pirates on a Tuvalu-flagged merchant ship, India's defence ministry said on Sunday. The ship, known as OS 35, was reported to be under attack on Saturday. The Indian defence ministry said four of its navy ships in the vicinity responded to a distress signal from the ship and reached the bulk carrier early on Sunday. It said the crew had taken refuge in the ship's strong room, know as the citadel, once they learnt they were under attack in line with established safe shipping operating procedures. "An Indian Navy helicopter undertook aerial reconnaissance of the merchant vessel at night, and at sunrise ... (to) ascertain the location of pirates, if still on board," the defence ministry said in a statement. "Subsequently ... a boarding party from the nearby Chinese Navy ship went on board the merchant ship, while the Indian Naval helicopter provided air cover for the operation." China's defence ministry said in a statement a Chinese navy frigate on patrol in the area responded to the distress call from the ship, which it said had been hijacked by pirates. A helicopter conducted surveillance of the ship before 16 navy special forces soldiers were sent aboard to rescue the sailors. It did not mention the Indian involvement. The Indian defence ministry said all the 19 Filipino crew of the ship were safe and the captain of the ship thanked the Indian navy for their response and for providing air cover. John Steed of aid group Oceans Beyond Piracy told Reuters the ship was sailing under navy escort to its next port. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which coordinates shipping in the Gulf of Aden area, said on its website the pirates had used a skiff to approach the vessel. The attempted hijacking comes days after pirates seized an Indian dhow that was on route to Bossaso from Dubai. Experts said some ship owners were becoming lax after a long period of calm, and that some were using a route known as the Socotra Gap, between Somalia and Socotra Island, to save time and cost regardless of the piracy risks. At their peak in 2011, pirates launched 237 attacks off the coast of Somalia, according to the International Maritime Bureau, and took hundreds of hostages. Their actions cost the world economy $7 billion and earned the pirates some $160 million in ransoms, according to the bureau. China's defence ministry said Chinese navy ships had helped patrol the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters since 2008, responding to several pirate attacks and conducting a small number of rescues. (Reuters)

India, China navies stop suspected Somali pirate attack on merchant vessel