'That’s what friends are for': India's Jaishankar responds to Bulgaria's praise for Indian navy's rescue op in Arabian Sea

India’s External Affair Minister S Jaishankar. File Photo.

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded to Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel’s gratitude for the Indian Navy’s rescue operation of the hijacked cargo ship MV Ruen in the Arabian Sea.

The operation rescued 17 crew members, including seven Bulgarians.

Expressing thanks, Gabriel said, “I express my gratitude to the Indian navy for the successful operation to rescue the hijacked vessel Ruen &its crew members, including 7 BG nationals. Thank you for support & great effort. We continue to work together to protect lives of the crew.”

Jaishankar responded, “That’s what friends are for.”

Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata compelled 35 Somali pirates, who had hijacked a vessel in the Arabian Sea, to surrender, ensuring the safe evacuation of 17 crew members.

Earlier, the Indian Navy intercepted the hijacked cargo ship MV Ruen, urging Somali pirates to surrender. The Indian Navy’s special forces, the Marine Commando Force (MARCOS), boarded the vessel.

According to an Indian Navy statement, “INS Kolkata had carried out the interception of the Pirate Ship Ruen almost 1,400 nm (2,600km) from the Indian Coast and forced the pirate ship to stop through calibrated actions which were augmented by INS Subhadra, HALE RPA, P8I maritime patrol aircraft and MARCOS PRAHARs air-dropped by C-17 aircraft.”

The Indian Air Force (IAF) shared photos and a video displaying a joint operation with the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea following the successful rescue.

The Somalian pirates, who hijacked the Maltese-flagged bulk cargo vessel on December 14, fired on the Indian Navy in international waters on Friday. The navy urged the pirates to surrender and release the vessel and any civilians they may be holding.