Rajya Sabha Takes up Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill for Consideration & Passing

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha has taken up the Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill 2022 for discussion and approval today. With the help of the Bill, Indian authorities will be able to combat piracy on the high seas. It is applicable to the ocean outside of the Exclusive Economic Zone, which is located more than 200 nautical miles from the shore of India. The Bill defines piracy as any unlawful act of violence, detention, or destruction committed by the crew or passengers of a private ship or aircraft against a ship, aircraft, or person for personal benefit.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar moved the bill and stated that it was initially introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 9 and referred to the Standing Committee on External Affairs for review and a report. 14 of the standing committee’s 18 recommendations, according to him, have been included in the Bill.

According to Jaishankar, the Law Ministry provided input during the development and finalisation of the modifications. In addition to India’s territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone, he said that this Bill will also provide an effective legal tool to combat maritime piracy on the high seas. More than 90% of trade, he continued, is conducted via maritime routes. India has taken the initiative on the subject of marine security at a multilateral conference, the minister claimed. According to Jaishankar, the passage of this Bill will bolster marine security and improve India’s reputation abroad. This involves the security of shipping lanes and the health of Indian seafarers.