Committed To Combating Piracy & Terrorism: PM Modi After Bulgarian Prez Lauds Navy For Rescuing 'MV Ruen'

PM Modi stated that India is committed to combating the piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region while replying to Bulgarian President Radev's message on the rescue of MV Ruen.

After the Indian Navy successfully rescued a Bulgarian ship 'Ruen' and its crew in a major anti-piracy operation that lasted 40 hours, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the rescue operation and lauded the Indian Navy for its 'brave action.' 

Appreciating his message, PM Modi stated the country was happy that the seven rescued Bulgarian nationals will soon return home safely. He added that "India is committed to protecting the freedom of navigation and combating the piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region."

Earlier while thanking PM Modi, Radev wrote: "My sincere gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for the brave action of Indian Navy rescuing the hijacked Bulgarian ship “Ruen” and its crew, including 7 Bulgarian citizens."

Indian Navy Rescues Bulgaria's MV Ruen

Indian Navy successfully rescued the Bulgarian ship 'MV Ruen' after conducting an anti-piracy operation, which lasted 40 hours on March 15-16. The vessel had been missing since December 14, 2023, after it was hijacked by Somalian pirates who had taken control of the ship since then.

The Indian Navy successfully rescued the 17 crew members onboard and even saved 37800 Tonnes of cargo worth $1 million. The rescued crew included seven Bulgarian nationals, nine citizens from Myanmar, and an Angolan citizen.   

Indian Navy's efforts were augmented by INS Subhadra, HALE RPA, P8I maritime patrol aircraft, and MARCOS PRAHARs, who were air-dropped from the Indian Air Force's C-17 Globemaster.

Indian Navy, informing about the rescue operation, stated: "INSKolkata, in the last 40 hours, through concerted actions successfully cornered and coerced all 35 Pirates to surrender & ensured safe evacuation of 17 crew members in the evening today March 16, 2024, from the pirate vessel without any injury."

According to the Indian Navy, INS Kolkata had intercepted the Pirate Ship Ruen at around 1400 nm (2600 km) from the Indian Coast. After intercepting the vessel, INS Kolkata alerted INS Subhadra, while the Navy laid out a plan to prevent the pirates from escaping the region.

During the operation, the pirates also shot down the drone and fired at the Indian Naval warship. However, in a "calibrated response" laid down under International laws, Kolkata disabled the ship's steering system and navigational aids, forcing the hijacked ship to stop.

Subsequently, the forceful negotiations undertaken by INS Kolkata forced the 35 Somalian pirates to surrender on March 16, which further led to the release of the original crew present onboard.

The vessel was also sanitised for the presence of illegal arms, contraband, and ammunition. The cargo will also be brought safely to India.

Earlier, Bulgaria's Deputy PM also thanked PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar for the rescue operation stating: "I express my gratitude to the Indian Navy for the successful operation to rescue the hijacked vessel Ruen &its crew members, including 7 Bulgarian nationals. Thank you for your support and great effort. We continue to work together to protect the lives of the crew."

EAM Jaishankar responded to this saying "That's what friends are for."