Indian Navy Won't Permit Anybody To Disrupt Security, Stability And Safety In Indian Ocean Region: Admiral R Hari Kumar

Indian Navy is committed to maintaining security and safety in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and will respond decisively to any acts of piracy, the Chief of Naval staff Admiral R Hari Kumar said on Monday (19 February).

He highlighted the deployment of a large number of ships in the IOR, with additional vessels positioned off the coast of Somalia.

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The Indian Navy is also engaged in anti-drone operations in the North Arabian Sea and Red Sea to protect Indians and others in distress, the Chief of Naval Staff said.

The Navy chief was speaking to reporters after inaugurating a manufacturing plant of Nibe Defence and Aerospace in Chakan in Pune district.

Admiral Kumar emphasised that the Indian Navy is prepared to take strong action against any piracy threats, regardless of the size or type of vessel involved.

The Naval chief said that the Indian Navy operates along with Navies of friendly nations to tackle piracy in the Indian Ocean Region.

"Right now, we largely get information through exchange. We are the largest resident Naval power in the Indian Ocean Region and we are not going to permit anybody to disrupt the security, stability and safety in this region," the Navy chief said, NDTV reported.

He said a large number of ships are deployed in the Indian Ocean Region.

"We have said piracy is not going to happen and we are going to teach a very hard lesson to anybody who tries to take to piracy," the Navy chief said.

Admiral Kumar further said that the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022, has strengthened the Navy's hands to tackle the issue and enabled it to do its duty in a better manner.

"Indian Navy is also undertaking anti-drone operations in the North Arabian Sea and Red Sea for the protection of Indians and also other people in distress. Irrespective of nationalities, helping people in distress is our job," the Navy chief said.

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