At a recent United Nations Arria-formula meeting focused on seafarer protection, India highlighted the Indian Navy's significant role in combating piracy and ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. India's ambassador, Parvathaneni Harish, emphasized the Navy's proactive measures in response to the rise in piracy and shipping incidents, particularly in the Western Arabian Sea, over the past couple of years.
The Indian Navy has stationed over 35 ships in the region. These ships have conducted more than 1,000 boarding operations and responded to over 35 incidents. These efforts have been crucial in safeguarding maritime routes and saving lives, regardless of the nationality of those rescued. The Navy has saved over 520 lives.
Since November 2023, the Indian Navy has escorted over 367 merchant vessels, ensuring the safe passage of more than 14.7 million metric tons of cargo valued at approximately $6.3 billion. These escort operations are vital for maintaining smooth trade flows and economic stability in the region.
Ambassador Harish recounted significant operations undertaken by the Indian Navy. One notable example was the March 2024 liberation of the hijacked bulk carrier MV Ruen from Somali pirates. This operation, which involved MARCOS commandos, marked a significant anti-piracy success and demonstrated India's capability to respond effectively to the resurgence of piracy threats. All 35 pirates were forced to surrender, and the 17 crew members were safely evacuated.
The Indian Navy also responded swiftly to the attack on the tanker Marlin Luanda, which was struck by a Houthi missile in the Gulf of Aden. The Navy's efforts in rescuing the sailors, some of whom were Indian, garnered international recognition. The seafarers involved received an International Maritime Organization (IMO) Commendation and an IMO Bravery Award.
India has been proactively addressing piracy through legal frameworks, including a proposed piracy bill. Indian Naval and Coast Guard ships patrol piracy-prone areas, escorting over 1000 ships and preventing around 40 piracy attacks. The Navy also conducts thorough surveillance as part of its Maritime Security Operations.
The Indian Navy employs a multi-pronged strategy to address maritime challenges. This includes deploying warships to escort merchant vessels through high-risk zones, such as the Gulf of Aden, and conducting Maritime Intervention Operations (MIOs) with elite MARCOS commandos for counter-piracy and rescue missions. The Navy also maintains a visible presence through forward-deployed warships and leverages surveillance technology like UAVs and maritime patrol aircraft for real-time intelligence.
India's commitment to maritime security is further demonstrated through its Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), which the ambassador urged for global acknowledgment as a central maritime coordination hub. He proposed its inclusion as the primary reporting center in the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee resolution, reflecting India's dedication to safety and security on the high seas.
India, with 12% of the world's seafarers, also emphasizes comprehensive labor protections that comply with the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006. This includes mandatory financial security for seafarers to prevent abandonment and initiatives against rogue recruitment agencies. A 24-hour global helpline has also been launched to enhance support for seafarers.
The Indian Navy's continuous anti-piracy patrols since 2008 have reduced incidents and led to the reclassification of high-risk areas, ensuring safer trade routes. India's proactive stance has strengthened regional and international cooperation, leading to collaborative initiatives and improved maritime security frameworks.
