Indian Navy to Enhance Safety in Indian Ocean Region with Strategic Actions

New Delhi, Mar 23: Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar announced on Saturday that the naval force will take affirmative action to ensure a safer and more secure Indian Ocean Region. He cited the anti-piracy and other maritime security operations undertaken by the Navy in the last 100 days. During a press conference at the newly-built Nausena Bhawan, Admiral Kumar said no Indian-flagged vessel has been targeted by the Houthis at sea. He also mentioned that one MV Abdullah has been hijacked and taken to Somalia, and the Navy is keeping a close watch on it.The Navy has undertaken anti-piracy, anti-missiles, and anti-drones operations as part of maritime security operations. According to a presentation given by a Navy officer, 110 lives, including 45 Indians and 65 foreign nationals, have been saved during Op Sankalp. From November last year till March, more than 90 maritime incidents have occurred, including 57 drone or missile attacks or sightings and 39 incidents involving piracy, hijacking, or suspicious approaches.INS Kolkata reached Mumbai earlier in the day, carrying 35 pirates apprehended in a recent operation off the coast of Somalia. These pirates were handed over to Mumbai Police for further legal action under Indian laws, specifically the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022. The Navy chief cited the dramatic mid-sea operation undertaken by the Navy along with the IAF that ended a three-month hijacking of a bulk carrier with the deployment of INS Kolkata, Sea Guardian drones, P-8I surveillance aircraft, and airdropping of elite MARCOS commandos from a C-17 plane.Admiral Kumar said that the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022, has been a great enabler for security forces, especially the Indian Navy involved in anti-piracy operations. He added that all coastal police stations have been empowered to handle such cases. The Navy chief also said that 100 days of sustained Op Sankalp has broken the myth of short and swift operations.Admiral Kumar asserted that the Indian Navy is determined to protect, preserve, promote and pursue national interests in the maritime domain. He added that the Indian Ocean Region will remain safe and secure under the watch of the Indian Navy.