The Indian Navy saved 23 Pakistani nationals from Somali pirates during a 12-hour-long operation in the Arabian Sea. The rescue unfolded in the early hours of March 29 when INS Sumedha intercepted the hijacked vessel FV Al-Kambar. INS Sumedha was soon joined by the guided missile frigate INS Trishul to bolster the operation. Indian naval forces initiated negotiations with the pirates, compelling them to surrender without bloodshed. Following the apprehension of pirates, the navy personnel thoroughly carried out the sanitisation of the vessel. The Iranian vessel was approximately 90 Nm south-west of Socotra and was reported to have been boarded by nine armed pirates. Notably, the Indian Navy has carried out several high-octane operations against piracy attacks lately. Also, this is not the first time that Indian Navy has come forward to rescue Pakistan nationals. In January this year, 19 Pakistanis were rescued from Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, Al Naeemi which was attacked by pirates. Also, earlier this month, Indian Navy intercepted the under-attack ship Ruen and 35 Somali pirates were made to surrender.

Indian Navy’s warship INS Kolkata brought 35 captured Somali pirates to India on March 23. All 35 Somalian pirates were handed over to Mumbai Police after due formalities of Customs and Immigration. After being handed to Mumbai Police, the pirates were taken to JJ Hospital for medical examination. The pirates were captured by the Indian Navy in an Anti-Piracy operation on March 16 from the Arabian Sea. As part of the Indian Navy’s anti-maritime security operations, INS Kolkata intercepted the hijacked vessel, ex-MV Ruen. The navy intercepted ex-MV Ruen, which was reported to have sailed out as a pirate ship on high seas. After over 40 hours of operation, Indian Navy coerced all 35 Pirates to surrender and ensured safe evacuation of 17 crew members. The Navy shared a video of its encounter with Somali pirates who were using a hijacked merchant vessel. The pirates onboard the vessel were called upon to surrender and release the vessel.