Fortifying India’s Maritime Frontiers: Indian Navy’s Triumph over Somali Piracy

The unsafe ordeal unfolded in March when the MV Abdullah fell prey to Somalian pirates, approximately 600 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital. (Image: X)

In a recent show of resilience against maritime piracy, Somalian pirates surrendered control of the hijacked vessel ‘MV Abdullah’ following a ransom payment of $5 million. The ransom was demanded for the freedom of 23 Bangladeshi crew members held captive aboard the vessel during its voyage from Mozambique to the UAE.

The unsafe ordeal unfolded in March when the MV Abdullah fell prey to Somalian pirates, approximately 600 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital. Owned by Shrey Kabir Steel Re-Rolling Mills, the Bangladesh-flagged vessel was laden with 55,000 tonnes of coal, destined for commerce before piracy disrupted its course.

Efforts to rescue the crew, spearheaded by the European Union (EU) and the Indian Navy, were thwarted as both the Bangladeshi government and the vessel’s owners declined intervention. This stance propelled the Indian Navy to assert its authority in the Western Indian Ocean, where piracy remains a persistent menace.

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Had the Bangladesh government consented to Indian Navy’s assistance, a ransom-free liberation and potential capture of pirates could have been achieved, averting such perilous transactions. Amid escalating threats, including those posed by Iran-backed Houthis, the Indian Navy has intensified its vigilance through ‘Operation Sankalp’ in the Arabian Sea, affirming India’s commitment to securing its maritime interests and fostering a rule-based order in the Indian Ocean region.

The outgoing Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, in his recent address to the media, emphasized India’s trajectory towards becoming a global power and the accompanying responsibilities. He highlighted the Indian Navy’s pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s interests, trade, and citizens at sea, underscoring its preparedness to counter maritime threats effectively.

Admiral Kumar’s remarks come at a crucial juncture as the Indian Navy continues to assert its dominance in the Indian Ocean region, where India’s maritime influence is unrivalled. With ‘Operation Sankalp’ marking its 100th day, the Navy’s steadfast commitment to upholding maritime security underscores India’s pivotal role in shaping the regional order.

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As the Indian Navy maintains its watchful gaze over the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, it reaffirms India’s status as a maritime power and the custodian of stability in the region. With piracy thwarted and threats neutralized, India’s seas remain safe, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of commerce and fostering peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.