New Delhi - March 23 : In a press conference held at the newly inaugurated Navy Bhawan headquarters, Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Indian Navy Chief, addressed concerns over the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Red Sea. He announced the successful completion of 100 days of 'Operation Sankalp,' a mission aimed at deterring anti-piracy, anti-missile, and anti-drone attacks in the region.

Admiral Kumar emphasized the Navy's commitment to ensuring the safety of maritime trade routes. He highlighted the deployment of ten warships under Operation Sankalp, acting as first responders to any potential threats. The Navy Chief also noted the importance of protecting Indian crew members working aboard foreign merchant ships, especially those targeted by Houthi rebels due to their links with Israel and Western nations.

The press conference shed light on several key developments. Admiral Kumar acknowledged the first successful ship hijacking by Somalian pirates since 2017, involving the Bulgarian-flagged MV Ruen. Thankfully, Operation Sankalp facilitated the rescue of the ship and its crew. Additionally, the Navy successfully foiled 35 piracy attempts and rescued a total of 102 personnel, including Indian, Pakistani, and Iranian citizens.

The enactment of the Piracy Act-2022 was also highlighted. This legislation empowers the Indian Navy to board, search, and seize pirate vessels, bolstering their ability to combat piracy in the region. Admiral Kumar concluded by reiterating the Navy's unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment for all. The Navy's swift and decisive actions under Operation Sankalp serve as a testament to their dedication to safeguarding India's maritime interests.