27 Pakistanis, 30 Iranians Among 110 Rescued by Indian Navy in Anti-Piracy Operations

New Delhi: At least 110 people were rescued, including 27 from Pakistan and 30 Iranians, in different anti-piracy operations of the Indian Navy.

In a press conference on Saturday, the Indian Navy said that besides the anti-piracy operations in the Arabian Sea, including ‘Operation Sankalp’ and other missions, it also responded to 13 attack incidents to save lives of 110 lives which included 45 Indians and 65 international citizens.

Indian Navy will take “affirmative action” to ensure a safer and more secure Indian Ocean Region, its chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said on Saturday while citing the anti-piracy operations undertaken by the naval force in the last 100 days.

In response to a query during a press conference at the newly-built Nausena Bhawan here, he said “no Indian-flagged vessel” has been targeted by the Houthis at sea.

“Indian Navy has deployed 10 warships along with assets like P-8I surveillance aircraft, Sea guardian drones and a huge number of personnel to undertake anti-piracy and anti-drone operations in the Arabian Sea and adjoining areas to provide protection room to Indian and international cargo traffic,” the Indian Navy said.

Earlier on Saturday, 35 Somali pirates, who were captured by the Indian Navy, were handed over to Mumbai Police after due formalities of Customs and Immigration.

All 35 Somali pirates surrendered on March 16. All 17 original crew members of MV Ruen were also safely evacuated from the pirate vessel without any injury.