In New Delhi, a significant event unfolded on Saturday when the Indian navy announced it had stopped a bulk carrier taken over by Somali pirates. They demanded the pirates to give up control.
The navy encountered the Maltese-flagged MV Ruen on Friday. This happened after the ship fired at an Indian warship in the open sea.
The navy’s message was clear. They asked the pirates to surrender, release the ship, and free any civilians held captive. This statement was shared on X, the platform previously known as Twitter.
The pirates had boarded the vessel on December 14. At the time, it had 18 crew members and was near the Yemeni island of Socotra, about 240 kilometers (150 miles) from Somalia.
Although attacks by Somali pirates have decreased over the years, there’s a rising worry. With the ongoing political instability and chaos in the region, including assaults on global shipping by Yemeni Houthi rebels, concerns are growing that piracy might increase again.
India has been showing its naval strength in international waters. This includes anti-piracy patrols and a notable deployment near the Red Sea. These efforts aim to safeguard ships from attacks, especially during the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Indian navy has successfully assisted at least four merchant vessels targeted by Houthi rebels in international waters. Its fleet includes three guided missile destroyers and reconnaissance aircraft, showcasing India’s commitment to maritime security.