Over 100 individuals, including 27 from Pakistan and 30 Iranians, were rescued in separate anti-piracy operations, announced the Indian Navy in a press conference on Saturday. These operations, conducted primarily in the Arabian Sea under initiatives like ‘Operation Sankalp,’ aimed to respond to 13 attack incidents and save the lives of 110 people, comprising 45 Indians and 65 international citizens.
Deploying a robust fleet consisting of 10 warships and surveillance aircraft, the Indian Navy bolstered its capabilities in the Arabian Sea to counter piracy and drone threats effectively. Alongside the naval assets, the Indian Air Force’s C-17 transport aircraft played a pivotal role by airdropping Marine Commandos and their equipment for special operations against sea pirates.
Following the successful conclusion of its anti-piracy mission, the Indian Navy handed over 35 Somali pirates, captured during the operation, to the Mumbai Police after fulfilling necessary customs and immigration formalities. This operation, which involved multiple naval vessels, air assets, and strategic coordination, showcased the Navy’s commitment to maritime security.
The interception of the pirate vessel MV Ruen marked a significant achievement for the Indian Navy, thwarting potential acts of piracy on the high seas. Through meticulous surveillance and strategic maneuvers, INS Kolkata successfully disabled the pirate ship’s navigation systems, compelling the armed pirates to surrender and release the MV Ruen along with its original crew.
The surrender of all 35 Somali pirates on March 16, without any casualties or injuries to the crew, underscored the Indian Navy’s professionalism and adherence to maritime law enforcement protocols. This operation not only safeguarded the interests of international maritime trade but also upheld India’s commitment to combating piracy in the region.
