New Delhi: The Indian Navy will take “affirmative action” to ensure safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region, its chief, Admiral R Hari Kumar, said as he highlighted the successful anti-piracy operations conducted by the naval forces over the last 100 days.
Speaking about the effectiveness of the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022, during a press conference at the newly inaugurated Nausena Bhawan in Delhi on Saturday, Admiral Kumar hailed it as a "great enabler" for security forces, particularly the Indian Navy, in their anti-piracy efforts. He expressed satisfaction with the Navy's response to piracy attempts, attributing it to the provisions of the legislation.
When questioned about the perception of the Indian Navy as the primary responder to maritime threats, Admiral Kumar asserted that India is progressing towards becoming a major global power and stressed the inherent responsibility that accompanies this status, affirming the Indian Navy's determination to safeguard national interests in the maritime domain.
“Bharat is on the trajectory to becoming a great power. With great power, comes great responsibility. The Indian Navy is determined to protect, preserve, promote and pursue our national interests in maritime domain,” Admiral Kumar said.
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Regarding the duration of the ongoing operations, Admiral Kumar stated that they would go on till the Indian Ocean is free from threats and is secure. He reassured that the Indian Navy will proactively take measures to ensure the safety of Indian nationals and vessels traversing the region.
“Indian Navy will take affirmative action to ensure safer, more secure Indian Ocean Region. So, whether it is Indian nationals or vessels, we will ensure their protection. We are the largest resident naval power in the Indian Ocean. Indian Navy's responsibility is to ensure the Indian Ocean Region remains safe, secure, and stable and we will ensure that it is free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order is maintained,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the Indian Navy announced the arrival of INS Kolkata in Mumbai, carrying 35 pirates apprehended during a recent operation off the coast of Somalia. These pirates were handed over to the Mumbai police for further legal proceedings under the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022.
Admiral Kumar also highlighted a recent anti-piracy operation 2600 km from mainland India, conducted in collaboration with the Indian Air Force, which successfully saved an international merchant vessel – MV Ruen – that was being hijacked by Somali pirates in December 2023 and was under their control since then. The operation involved INS Kolkata, Sea Guardian drones, P-8I surveillance aircraft, and MARCOS commandos airdropped from a C-17 plane. It resulted in the rescue of 17 hostages and the capture of 35 armed pirates.