Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, addressing the press at the newly inaugurated Nausena Bhawan, emphasised the Indian Navy’s resolve to bolster security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through proactive measures, citing recent anti-piracy operations conducted by naval forces over the past 100 days. Describing the situation as unstable and volatile due to escalating drone and missile attacks by the Houthis and Somalian pirates in the IOR, Admiral Kumar affirmed the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Indian interests from such threats. Despite highlighting the Navy’s successful efforts in this regard, he maintained that the overall situation in the region remains precarious as it severely impacts the global trade channelised through these sea lanes.
Providing details of the ongoing maritime security “Operation Sankalp”, launched in mid-December last year, the Navy Chief said the Indian Navy has responded to 18 incidents and has played a pivotal role as the ‘First Responder’ and ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region. The significance of the Indian Navy’s contributions has been further underscored with the culmination of actions against the hijacking of MV Ruen.
The Navy Chief cited the dramatic mid-sea operation undertaken by the Navy along with the IAF that ended a three-month hijacking of a bulk carrier with the deployment of its warship INS Kolkata, long-endurance Sea Guardian drones, P-8I surveillance aircraft and airdropping of elite MARCOS commandos from a C-17 plane. The Navy seized the former Maltese-flagged vessel, rescued 17 hostages and captured 35 armed pirates in the nearly 40-hour operation around 2,600 km from the Indian coast that experts say was the first such successful takeover of a cargo ship from the Somali pirates in the last around seven years. The Navy chief said this was the largest operation in which the Indian Navy had caught 35 pirates in the Last 10 years.
Air Force Role
On the joint operation, the Indian Air Force’s top official present during the press conference commented that the mission was a remarkable display of jointness and integration.
“As far as the Air Force is concerned, our strategic assets like the C-17 and C-130 are always on standby at short notice for contingencies, including HADR and out-of-area contingencies. In this case, we reacted in the shortest time possible and integrated at various levels with the Navy, conducting joint briefings. Primarily because we had not undertaken any operations so far away from the coast, flight plans, communication plans, and briefings from the MARCOS were crucial. Communicating with the naval ships and coordinating the aircraft, flown over 2600 km and dropped in a highly coordinated manner, ensured the safe deployment of all the MARCOS at sea, with the aircraft recovered back to its base after almost a non-stop flight of 10 hours. This mission, conducted in close collaboration with the Navy, marks a significant achievement. As the nation evolves into a net security provider, we will continue to enhance our capabilities,” said Air Vice Marshal Tejbir Singh, Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations.
Maritime Anti-Piracy Act of 2022
Earlier today, INS Kolkata arrived in Mumbai, transporting 35 pirates captured from MV Ruen. These pirates were handed over to the Mumbai Police for subsequent legal proceedings by Indian laws, particularly the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act of 2022. Admiral Kumar highlighted the significance of this new legislation as a valuable tool for security forces, notably the Indian Navy engaged in anti-piracy efforts. He emphasised that the Navy has received a considerable boost from this law and reiterated its commitment to deploying resources to thwart piracy attempts.
When questioned about whether this has enhanced the reputation of the Indian Navy as the primary responder, Admiral Kumar remarked, “Bharat is on the trajectory to becoming a great power.” He stressed that with “great power comes great responsibility,” affirming that the” Indian Navy is determined to protect, preserve, promote and pursue our national interests in the maritime domain.” He reiterated that these operations will continue until the Indian Ocean is safe and secure. However, he said “no Indian-flagged vessel” has been targeted by the Houthis at sea.
“Indian Navy will take affirmative action to ensure safer, more secure Indian Ocean Region.” So, whether it is Indian nationals or vessels, “we will ensure their protection”, the Navy Chief said. “We are the largest resident naval power in the Indian Ocean. Indian Navy’s responsibility is to ensure the Indian Ocean Region remains safe, secure, and stable, and we will ensure that it is free, open, inclusive, and rules-based order is maintained,” he added.
Anti-Piracy ‘Op Sankalp’
Since the last 100 days, the naval ships, aircraft and Special Forces have demonstrated an unflinching resolve to ‘secure the seas’ and protect the maritime community from various non-traditional threats present in the region. Based on the threat assessment in the region, the Indian Navy is conducting maritime security operations in three areas – the Gulf of Aden and adjoining areas, the Arabian Sea, and off the East Coast of Somalia. The arduous efforts of the Indian Navy since December 23 involved the deployment of over 5000 personnel at sea, over 450 ship days (with over 21 ships deployed) and 900 hours of flying by the maritime surveillance aircraft to address threats in the maritime domain, Indian Navy said in a presentation before the Naval Chief briefing.
The Indian Navy, in a calibrated response, has investigated over 1,000 boardings of ships and boats in the region during the progress of ongoing maritime security operations under the aegis of ‘Op Sankalp’. At the same time, the Indian Navy has carried out 13 major proactive operations against piracy and hijacking incidents, five in the Gulf of Aden and eight in the Arabian Seas.
Ravi Shankar
