Indian Navy Saved Over 520 Lives In Western Arabian Sea, India Tells UN
The Indian Navy is considered a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region and has consistently lived up to that reputation with its operations. Image courtesy: RNA
India has told the United Nations (UN) that the Indian Navy’s sustained operations in the western Arabian Sea have saved hundreds of lives and protected billions of dollars’ worth of cargo, underlining New Delhi’s commitment to seafarer safety and maritime security.
Indian envoy P Harish said India, as one of the top three global seafaring nations with about 12% of the world’s maritime workforce, attached immense importance to the safety, well-being and rights of seafarers, who form the lifeblood of global trade and maritime stability.
Over the past two years, in response to shipping attacks and rising piracy in the western Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has deployed more than 35 ships in the region, carried out over 1,000 boarding operations and responded to more than 35 incidents, Harish told the UN.
According to the envoy, the Navy’s “credible and swift actions” have helped save more than 520 lives at sea, irrespective of nationality. Since November 2023, Indian warships have safely escorted over 367 merchant vessels carrying more than 14.7 million metric tonnes of cargo, with a combined value of over 6.3 billion dollars, he added.
Harish also cited India’s decisive role in the liberation of the hijacked merchant vessel MV Ruen from Somali pirates and the rescue of its crew as a clear example of this commitment.
He said the operation underlined that India’s priority was the safety of seafarers and the security of vital sea lanes, irrespective of the vessel’s flag or the nationality of those on board.
The envoy added that India would continue to work with international partners and multilateral mechanisms to uphold freedom of navigation, strengthen maritime domain awareness and ensure that those who crew the world’s merchant fleets are not left vulnerable on the frontlines of global commerce.
The Indian Navy has consistently demonstrated exceptional vigilance and decisive action in combating piracy and maritime attacks.
For instance, even last year (2024), through Operation Sankalp, the Navy deployed over 20 ships and 5,000 personnel across critical maritime zones including the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and off Somalia. Notably, INS Kolkata intercepted and disabled the pirate ship MV Ruen, rescuing 17 hostages and capturing 35 Somali pirates after sustained operations.
INS Sumitra thwarted multiple hijacking attempts on fishing vessels, rescuing 36 crew members in under 36 hours.
