NEW DELHI: Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar reaffirmed the commitment of the Indian Navy to bolster security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through proactive measures, citing recent anti-piracy operations conducted by the naval force.
Addressing reporters at the newly-inaugurated Nausena Bhawan, Admiral Kumar highlighted the Navy’s successful efforts in safeguarding Indian-flagged vessels from threats posed by entities such as the Houthis.He said “no Indian-flagged vessel” has been targeted by the Houthis at sea.
Notable among the recent operations was the apprehension of 35 pirates off the coast of Somalia by INS Kolkata, a naval vessel that recently returned to Mumbai. The pirates were subsequently handed over to the Mumbai police for further legal proceedings under the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022.
Admiral Kumar recounted a remarkable mid-sea operation, conducted in collaboration with the Indian Air Force, which led to the rescue of hostages and the capture of armed pirates aboard a hijacked bulk carrier. This operation, spanning nearly 40 hours and involving a range of naval assets including INS Kolkata, Sea Guardian drones, P-8I surveillance aircraft, and elite MARCOS commandos, marked a significant victory against piracy in the region.
Emphasizing the effectiveness of the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022, Admiral Kumar said that it has greatly facilitated the Navy’s efforts in countering piracy. He reiterated the Navy’s resolve to safeguard Indian interests in the maritime domain.
Responding to queries regarding the Indian Navy’s role as the first responder in maritime emergencies, Admiral Kumar expressed confidence in India’s trajectory towards becoming a major maritime power. He underscored the Navy’s commitment to preserving a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order in the Indian Ocean Region.
Asked how long these operations will continue, Admiral Kumar replied, till the Indian Ocean is safe and secure. “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”, the Navy chief said.
“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 added.
(with inputs from agencies)
Addressing reporters at the newly-inaugurated Nausena Bhawan, Admiral Kumar highlighted the Navy’s successful efforts in safeguarding Indian-flagged vessels from threats posed by entities such as the Houthis.He said “no Indian-flagged vessel” has been targeted by the Houthis at sea.
Notable among the recent operations was the apprehension of 35 pirates off the coast of Somalia by INS Kolkata, a naval vessel that recently returned to Mumbai. The pirates were subsequently handed over to the Mumbai police for further legal proceedings under the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022.
Admiral Kumar recounted a remarkable mid-sea operation, conducted in collaboration with the Indian Air Force, which led to the rescue of hostages and the capture of armed pirates aboard a hijacked bulk carrier. This operation, spanning nearly 40 hours and involving a range of naval assets including INS Kolkata, Sea Guardian drones, P-8I surveillance aircraft, and elite MARCOS commandos, marked a significant victory against piracy in the region.
Emphasizing the effectiveness of the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022, Admiral Kumar said that it has greatly facilitated the Navy’s efforts in countering piracy. He reiterated the Navy’s resolve to safeguard Indian interests in the maritime domain.
Responding to queries regarding the Indian Navy’s role as the first responder in maritime emergencies, Admiral Kumar expressed confidence in India’s trajectory towards becoming a major maritime power. He underscored the Navy’s commitment to preserving a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order in the Indian Ocean Region.
Asked how long these operations will continue, Admiral Kumar replied, till the Indian Ocean is safe and secure. “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”, the Navy chief said.
“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 added.
(with inputs from agencies)
