Indian Navy Foils Pirate Attack, Brings Back Somali Pirates

In a daring anti-piracy operation, Indian Navy thwarted a piracy attempt approximately 2600 kilometers away from the Indian coast, forcing the pirates to surrender after a tense 40-hour standoff. The timely and melodramatic operation, led by the destroyer INS Kolkata and INS Subhadra warships, saw the coordinated efforts of drones, marine commandos, and the Indian Air Force's C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.

On March 17, Indian naval commandos seized control of the vessel approximately 260 nautical miles away from the Somali coast, rescuing 17 crew members in total: nine from Myanmar, seven from Bulgaria, and one from Angola.

Utilizing specialized tactics, the Navy's elite Marcos Commandos were airdropped into the Arabian Sea, along with special boats, to board the hijacked merchant ship MV Rouen. Despite facing gunfire from the pirates, the Marcos Commandos swiftly executed their mission, compelling the pirates to surrender.

भारतीय नौसेना की सफल एंटी-पाइरेसी ऑपरेशन! ऑपरेशन के तहत, नौसेना ने भारतीय तटों से 2600 किलोमीटर दूर समुद्री लुटेरों को गिरफ्तार किया। युद्धपोतों, ड्रोनों और मरीन कमांडों के संयुक्त प्रयास ने त्वरित कार्रवाई की सुनिश्चित की। #भारतीयनौसेना #एंटीपाइरेसी
📷: @Ayanangsha pic.twitter.com/4BLIfmc6n2 — VYGR News (@Vygrofficial) March 23, 2024

The naval operation resulted in the detainment of 35 pirates aboard INS Kolkata and all of the Somali pirates are brought to India to face trial.
The Indian Navy's proactive measures in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden have intensified following increased pirate activity, after the Israel-Hamas conflict. Amidst this surge, the Navy has successfully safeguarded numerous merchant vessels from potential attacks and hijackings in recent times.

In a recent display of its maritime prowess, the Navy rescued a Bangladeshi vessel from pirate threats and, more recently, executed a daring operation to protect the Maltese ship MV Rouen. These operations not only underscore the Indian Navy's growing global reputation but also debunk the misconception that its influence is confined solely to the Indian Ocean. The Navy's swift and decisive actions highlight India's emergence as a significant maritime power in the region.