Indian Navy Responds Swiftly to Distress Call : Thwarts Hijacking in Arabian Sea
In a rapid response to a distress call, the Indian Navy has mobilized an aircraft and a warship to aid a Malta-flagged ship facing a hijacking crisis in the Arabian Sea, as reported on Saturday.
The MV Ruen, a commercial vessel with 18 crew members on board, issued a distress call on Thursday, indicating the presence of six hijackers. Acting promptly, the Indian Navy took decisive action by deploying a Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft and a warship on Friday. The aircraft, engaged in a surveillance mission in the region, swiftly located the hijacked vessel on December 15 and has since been closely monitoring its movements as it sails toward the coast of Somalia. The Naval warship intercepted the MV Ruen on the morning of December 16.
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The Indian Navy, in a statement, emphasized its commitment to being a first responder in the region, working in coordination with other agencies. The safety of merchant shipping is a top priority for the Indian Navy, and it collaborates with international partners and friendly foreign countries to ensure maritime security.
Highlighting the proactive role played by the Indian government through the Navy, it was noted that efforts to control piracy in the Arabian Sea have effectively pushed back the High-Risk Area (HRA). This success has led to a reduction in maritime insurance rates and has improved the working conditions for crew members, among other positive outcomes.
Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, speaking at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) last month, provided insights into the ongoing efforts in the Indian Ocean Region. He mentioned that over 50 warships from extra-regional forces are deployed in the region for various missions, including anti-piracy patrols off the Gulf of Aden. The wider Indo-Pacific region also witnesses a significant naval presence.
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Admiral Kumar highlighted the Navy’s vigilant monitoring of evolving threats and challenges, both traditional and non-traditional. In recent years, non-traditional security threats such as maritime terrorism, piracy, robbery, and trafficking of humans, arms, and drugs have introduced a “fresh paradigm” to the security scenario. The Navy remains committed to adapting and responding effectively to these emerging challenges.
The successful interception of the hijacked vessel in the Arabian Sea underscores the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and its pivotal role in maintaining maritime security. As the situation continues to be closely monitored, the Navy’s swift and coordinated response serves as a testament to its commitment to safeguarding the seas and ensuring the safety of maritime activities in the region.
“The Indian government through the Indian Navy had effectively pushed back the High-Risk Area (HRA) by effectively controlling the scourge of piracy in the Arabian Sea which reduced maritime insurance rates, hazardous pay to crew among other things,” the officer said.
Last month, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said more than 50 warships of extra-regional forces remain deployed in the Indian Ocean Region for different missions, such as anti-piracy patrol off the Gulf of Aden. Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD), he also said that the wider Indo-Pacific too had a significant naval presence.
The overall situation is being closely monitored, in coordination with other agencies in the area, the Navy said. “The Indian Navy remains committed to being a first responder in the region and ensuring safety of merchant shipping, along with international partners and friendly foreign countries,” it said. Navy has been on a “24x7x365” anti-piracy patrol since 2008 and has been instrumental in safeguarding the international sea lanes of communication for global maritime trade.
