In response to escalating threats of piracy and drone attacks in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has intensified its efforts with a deployment of 10 warships and surveillance aircraft.
At a press conference in New Delhi on Saturday (March 23, 2024), the Indian Navy highlighted its measures, including successful anti-piracy operations like ‘Operation Sankalp,’ which resulted in the rescue of over 100 individuals, including citizens from Pakistan and Iran.
In different operations carried out by the India Navy the rescued included 27 from Pakistan and 30 Iranians, in different anti-piracy operations. It also responded to 13 attack incidents to save 110 lives which included 45 Indians and 65 international citizens. The Indian Navy press conference came after it concluded its high-stakes anti-piracy operation in the Arabian Sea on Saturday.
“Indian Navy has deployed 10 warships along with assets like P-8I surveillance aircraft, Sea guardian drones and a huge number of personnel to undertake anti-piracy and anti-drone operations in the Arabian Sea and adjoining areas to provide protection room to Indian and international cargo traffic,” the Indian Navy said.
Additionally, Indian Air Force’s C-17 transport aircraft crew which airdropped Marine Commandos and their equipment in the Arabian Sea for Special Operations against the sea pirates were also present at the Navy chief’s press conference on the Indian action.

Somali Pirates Handed Over to Mumbai Police: What happened on March 15/16?
Notably, a significant operation on March 15/16, 2024, saw INS Kolkata intercept and neutralize a pirate ship, ex-MV Ruen, demonstrating the Navy’s steadfast commitment to maritime law enforcement. The coordinated efforts between naval and air forces culminated in the apprehension of 35 Somali pirates, subsequently handed over to Mumbai Police for legal proceedings.
During a mission that lasted for more than 40 hours starting on the early morning of March 15, 2024, INS Kolkata intercepted a pirate ship called ex-MV Ruen in the Arabian Sea, based on information provided by IFC-IOR from UKMTO. According to the intelligence, the ship was suspected of being used as a base for pirate activities, such as attacking and hijacking merchant ships.
INS Kolkata began monitoring the pirate ship early on March 15, 2024. Before dawn, the ship spotted INS Kolkata and changed its course, heading towards the Somali Coast. Several armed pirates were seen on the ship’s upper deck.
INS Kolkata ordered the pirate ship to stop for inspection in line with international law, including the United Nations Conventions on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, the pirate ship refused to comply and opened fire. In response, INS Kolkata acted in self-defence, using necessary measures to disable the ship and force the pirates to surrender.
INS Subhadra joined INS Kolkata in the operation. Additionally, the Indian Navy deployed Marine Commandos over the sea near the pirate ship using C17s, in coordination with the Indian Air Force. Aerial surveillance was conducted by Indian Navy P8I aircraft, Sea Guardian UAV, and the ship’s helicopters and drones.
Facing decisive action by the Indian Navy, all pirates surrendered. They, along with 17 crew members, were taken into custody and transferred to Indian Naval ships. The Indian Navy specialists searched and cleared the ship of weapons, ammunition, and illegal items, making it safe for further use. The ship’s seaworthiness was assessed, and necessary repairs were made by the naval technical team.
At the request of the ship’s original company, M/s Navibulgar, and the Master, the crew of MV Ruen were reinstated, and the ship hoisted the flag of Malta, returning to its previous status. MV Ruen then proceeded under its own power to the port of Salalah (Oman), escorted by INS Subhadra to protect it from further pirate attacks.
INS Kolkata returned to Mumbai on March 23, 2024, with the apprehended pirates, who were handed over to the local police for legal proceedings under Indian laws, particularly the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act 2022. The Indian Navy demonstrated professionalism and commitment to international law, ensuring safe seas and maritime security in the region.
As part of Operation Sankalp, Indian Navy ships continue to patrol the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden, safeguarding seafarers and merchant ships passing through the area.
Handed over to Mumbai Police
As many as35 Somali pirates were handed over to Mumbai Police after due formalities of Customs and Immigration.