Operation Sankalp: This action was taken under ‘Operation Sankalp’, under which Indian Navy ships have been deployed in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden to ensure the safety of sailors and cargo ships passing through the area. The Navy said, INS Kolkata reached Mumbai on March 23 with 35 captured pirates. The pirates were handed over to the local police for further legal action as per Indian laws, specifically the Anti-Piracy Act, 2022.
Pirates caught after 40 hours of operation
Naval officials said, based on information, during an operation lasting more than 40 hours that began on the morning of March 15, INS Kolkata intercepted the pirate ship ‘X-MV Rouen’ in the Arabian Sea. The Navy said that the ship ‘X-MV Rouen’ was being used for plundering in the maritime area and taking commercial ships hostage.
Such a campaign was launched to catch the robbers
From the morning of 15 March, INS Kolkata started keeping an eye on the pirate ship. On seeing INS Kolkata, the pirate ship changed course and started moving towards the Somali coast. The Navy said that several armed pirates were seen on the upper deck of the ship. INS Kolkata directed the pirate ship to stop for investigation as per international laws. However, firing started from the pirate ship. INS Kolkata then acted in self-defence and disabled the ship and forced the pirates to surrender.
Pirates surrender after naval action
The Navy said, after the decisive action of the Indian Navy, all the pirates on board the ship surrendered. 35 pirates and 17 crew members were taken into custody and transferred to Indian Navy ships.
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