INDIA
Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma said around one out of every 10 attempts by the sea-brigands were only successful this year.
Observing that efforts of navies of various countries have helped foil a large number of pirate attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden, Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma today said around one out of every 10 attempts by the sea-brigands were only successful this year.
Addressing the annual press conference ahead of Navy Day celebrations on December 4, Verma said, "Due to sustained efforts of navies and the shipping community, the success rate of piracy has dropped from 38 per cent in 2008 to 11% this year."
On performance of Indian Navy in anti-piracy operations, he said it has substantially increased its deployments for this purpose in the East Arabian Sea including in areas of Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands.
"As a result of these deployments and actions against four pirate mother-ships this year, the threat of piracy attacks has sharply reduced in this area. Over a 100 pirates were apprehended and 73 fishermen and crew were rescued during anti-piracy operations in the East Arabian Sea this year," he said.
Verma said as a result of the naval action in Gulf of Aden by several countries, piracy has now shifted to new areas including the East Arabian Sea.
"In order to counter this new trend, the Indian Navy substantially increased its anti-piracy deployments in East Arabian Sea including areas off Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands," he added.
The Navy Chief said piracy off the Somali coast has grown steadily over the years and while 217 attacks were reported in 2009, the number increased to 219 in 2010.
"The number of incidents have already reached 228 for the current year till Nov 11. But the success rate of pirates have come down due to our sustained efforts," he said.
On naval deployment in piracy infested areas, Verma said, "Since 2008, close to 1900 ships have been escorted by Indian Navy in the Gulf of Aden, of these foreign flagged ships are close to 1,700. During anti-piracy operations, we have prevented 39 piracy attempts on merchant vessels."
He said piracy has a direct bearing on the economy as large percentage of India’s trade including oil and fertilizers passed through Gulf of Aden.
"The Shipping Ministry has estimated that Indian exports and imports through the Gulf of Aden route are valued in the range of over $100 billion. About 24 Indian-flagged merchant ships transit the this area every month."
Replying to a question on Iranian merchant ship MV Assa which has anchored-off the Lakshadweep coast for over a month, Navy Chief said External Affairs Ministry is in touch with Iran on the issue and the ship is under observation by the Navy.
"As per international laws, ships are allowed innocent passage through EEZs. Initially it was reported the ship has anchored there because of certain material problems which needed repair. But it has remained there. MEA is in touch with Iran in this matter," he said.
On the possibility of naval action to tackle such situation, he said, "As far as we are concerned, if the situation like this happen, I will have to devote certain resources to keep any such development under observation to start with.
In the long term, if a situation like this happens, we have to ensure that we keep the concerned platform under surveillance, which is being done even in this case."
Sidhu Moosewala's parents share FIRST pic of his baby brother, netizens say 'so cute'
‘It definitely does a lot of good to my ego’: Aishwarya Rai gets candid in film promotion interview
Ignored for Australia Tests, India star slams sensational Ranji Trophy double ton
Interviewer asks Aishwarya Rai ‘how do you look so fab’, she says…
How Biden’s Lame-Duck Period Could Influence Policy Decisions After Choosing Not to Run in 2024
Watch: Viral video shows heated argument between passengers in Delhi metro
'New chapter for me': Virat Kohli's latest social media post shocks internet
Mukesh Ambani, India's richest man, donated over Rs 400 crore in one year, Gautam Adani gave Rs...
Delhi: Air pollution in national capital spike during Chhath Puja, AQI reaches 'severe' level
AUS vs PAK Live Streaming: When and where to watch Australia vs Pakistan 2nd ODI live in India?
'I gain weight as body...' Arjun Kapoor reveals being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease
Stark Visas: The Best Immigration Consultant in Delhi Sets Immigration Dreams High in Ahmedabad
KREEVA targets top 1% elite for its ultra-luxury homes in Delhi-NCR’s prime locations
Tata Group acquires another company for over Rs 18 crore days after Noel Tata joins board
WPL 2025 Retentions: Full list of players retained and released by all 5 franchises
ED raids main vendors of Amazon, Flipkart across multiple cities, including Delhi, Mumbai due to...
Anil Ambani suffers major setback, his company banned for 3 years due to...
Meet woman, a cuddler, professional hugger, earns Rs 7400 in 1 hour, she is...
Meet teen who started working from garage, now set to make Rs 25 crore at just 16 from...
Viral video: Slum children recreate Sabyasachi bridal wear, designer reacts; WATCH
Missing Home on Chhath Puja: Yearning and significance behind Bihar’s holy festival
Chhath Puja 2024 Day 4: Usha Arghya date, timings of sunrise, puja rituals, significance and more
Ricky Ponting wants Babar Azam to follow Virat Kohli's footsteps for THIS reason
Elon Musk's net worth surges by Rs 2193295096200 in a day after...
Meet India's richest female YouTuber, left teaching job, has Rs 43 crore net worth, now works as...
This fruit is called non-vegetarian, it is...
Meet man who was India's biggest con artist, he sold Taj Mahal, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Red Fort...
Nita Ambani reveals husband Mukesh Ambani follows a strict diet, here's what he eats
'Tu jhuti woh makkar': Influencer accuses 10-year-old of groping her; narrates ordeal in viral video
Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal name their daughter, Zuneyra Ida Fazal; it means...
After returning as President, what will happen to cases against Donald Trump? Know here
25-year-old turns temple thief, steals ornaments worth Rs 78 lakh for...
Why Mahindra XUV700 is perfect for road trips and off-road adventures
Mahindra Scorpio N: A legacy of toughness with a modern twist
'Capable of loving more women': Kamal Haasan's bold take on marriage and relationships goes viral
How reaction time and speed tests can give gamers a competitive edge
This is world’s most polluted city with AQI of 1165, it’s just 409 kms away from Delhi
Blow to Gautam Adani as his company's shares fell 7% due to...
Pune Porsche crash: Father of teen driver's friend surrenders before court
Geographic and political nature of drug trafficking sea routes to India
Delhi AQI Update: Air quality turns 'severe', AQI reaches...
Mukesh Ambani's SUPERHIT new plan for Jio users, offers 100 GB of free cloud storage for just Rs...
Delhi-Mumbai expressway to slash travel time to 25 minutes: Key stretch to open on...
'Modi govt is committed to building terror-free India': Union Minister Amit Shah
Chhath Puja 2024: What is the importance of bamboo basket in Chhath Puja?
SC to deliver verdict today on plea against NCLAT order transferring Jet Airways to winning bidder
Is it time for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to step down from playing Test cricket?
Chhath Puja 2024: Are banks open or closed today? Check state-wise list here