Navy to get pro-active in manning Somalian waters

New Delhi, Nov 20 (UNI) With the growing attacks on cargo ships in the Gulf of Aden by lurking pirates, the Indian Navy plans to enhance its presence besides taking a more pro-active role in the affairs to secure sea lanes for trade and transport.

According to naval sources, the Navy had ''almost decided'' to send another 'warship' along with additional armed 'escort ships' to secure travel and transport in the region, infested by pirates.

However, they said ''no decision has been taken today'' while agreeing that several options were on the table to deal with the menace in the Indian Ocean.

''Some extra ship or air surveillance in the region are some of the options available before us.'' This would be done in collaboration with some other countries, the sources said.

''We are actually looking at any prospect only under the United Nations' umbrella and in cooperation with the regional parties concerned with pirates' action.'' Joint action, resources pooling or collaborative mandate to man the seas were some of the factors which need to be sorted out before any further steps in that direction are taken, the sources added.

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