Indian Navy Deploy Destroyers And Frigates In Arabian Sea

After a merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto en route for Mangalore from Saudi Arabia was hit by a drone last week, the Indian Navy has increased its monitoring activities in the northern and central Arabian Sea as well as the Gulf of Aden. According to the Indian Navy's recent statement, naval task groups consisting of destroyers and frigates have been dispatched for maritime security operations and to assist merchant ships in the event of any incidents.

The Navy also deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and maritime patrol aircraft to protect Indian water boundaries.

In addition, the navy highlighted its collaboration with the Coast Guard to address emerging security threats within the Indian Ocean region.

The Navy's decision came after the merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto, which was carrying a crew of 21 members, including 20 Indians and one Vietnamese national, was struck by the unidentified air strike. Later, the ship had to seek refuge at the Mumbai port with the escort of the Coast Guard ship Vikram on December 26.

Indian navy's statement reads: "The last few weeks have seen increased maritime security incidents on merchant vessels transiting through international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and central/north Arabian Sea."

"The piracy incident on MV Ruen, approximately 700 nautical miles from the Indian coast, and the recent drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, approximately 220 nautical miles southwest of Porbandar, indicates a shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian EEZ (exclusive economic zone)," the navy said.

Quoting the Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, the statement conveyed, "directions to take all possible actions to enhance security in the Arabian Sea region and keep a close lookout for any suspicious activity, he further directed to carry out thorough checks on the suspicious boats to ensure the safety of our merchant vessels and mariners."