The Indian Navy recently responded to piracy attacks in the Indian Ocean with prompt and decisive action, proving its commitment to maritime security and the protection of regional seafarers.
The first incident was safeguarding the Bangladeshi-flagged vessel MV Abdullah, which was attacked while heading from Mozambique to the UAE. After receiving the alert, the Indian Navy’s Long Range Maritime Patrol (LRMP) aircraft was immediately sent. Spotting the MV Abdullah on the evening of March 12 it made attempts to communicate with the ship’s crew but failed.
Unaffected by the failure, the Indian Navy deployed a warship, engaged in Maritime Security Operations and moved it to intercept the hijacked vessel. On the morning of March 14, the navy successfully intercepted the vessel.
In a separate incident, the Indian Navy disrupted Somali pirates’ efforts to seize ships transiting through the region. The ex-MV Ruen, has been reported to be converted into a pirate ship which was previously hijacked by Somali pirates on December 14 of last year. On March 15, an Indian Navy warship again intercepted the vessel based on intelligence reports. However, the pirates on board opened fire on the warship.
The Navy responded as per international law by taking deliberate actions in self-defense and counter-piracy, employing the least amount of force necessary to neutralize the threat to shipping and seafarers. Later, the pirates were asked to surrender and release both the vessel and any civilians they may be keeping captive.