Remember Captain Jack Sparrow’s epic battles with those ruthless pirates in the “Pirates of the Caribbean”? That first comes to mind when anyone hears the word-“pirate”. Well, the real-life piracy is going strong right now in 2024 as Somali pirates are stirring up trouble again. Thankfully, the Indian Navy is taking charge to keep our seas safe.
Watch the Indian Navy’s swift & decisive anti-piracy operations, a testament to their steadfast commitment to maritime security.@rajnathsingh @giridhararamane @indiannavy @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/WCkVRQWKOI
— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) March 23, 2024
For many of us, Somali pirates might seem like a thing of the past. But recent events in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea have caused a wave of concern. The hijacking of a large cargo ship, the MV Ruen, in December 2023 marked the first successful takeover of a major vessel by Somali pirates since 2017. So, what’s going on here?
Let’s delve deeper and explore the reasons behind the decline of Somali piracy, the recent rise in activity, and how the Indian Navy is standing guard over our interests in the region.
Why Did Somali Pirates’ power Decline?
Hundreds of pirate attacks happening every year! That’s what things were like around 2011 at the peak of Somali piracy. These attacks not only cost billions of dollars but also put the lives of many sailors at risk. But, things started to improve thanks to a coordinated effort:
- International Navies: A global coalition that included India stepped up its game against piracy.Warships patrolled the piracy hotspots in the Arabian Sea, making it much tougher for these modern-day pirates to operate freely.
.webp "A cargo ship")
- Stricter security: Shipping companies weren’t about to let themselves be easy targets anymore. They adopted stricter security measures that would make even the most cunning pirate think twice. This included hiring armed guards and creating special secure areas on board ships called “citadels” – basically a safe room in case of an attack.
- Addressing the Root Cause: Remember the saying “prevention is better than cure”? Well, that’s exactly what the international community did. International aid and development programs focused on tackling the root causes of piracy in Somalia, such as poverty and political instability. The idea was to give people there a better shot at a decent life, making piracy a less attractive option.
This approach proved to be a success story. By 2019, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported a significant drop in piracy incidents off the Somali coast. It looked like the pirates had been successfully defeated by a wave of international cooperation! But as with any interesting incident, there’s always a twist, and that’s what we’ll explore next – the return of Somali pirates in 2024 and how the Indian Navy is responding.
Indian Navy’s Guardian Role
The Indian Navy is a well-oiled machine with a long-standing commitment to securing the seas around India.Here’s what makes the Indian Navy a formidable force against Somali pirates:
- Modern Fleet: The Indian Navy boasts a modern fleet of about 130+ warships and patrol vessels, all equipped with cutting-edge technology. These aren’t old rusty ships with cannons! We’re talking sophisticated radars, weapon systems, and intelligence gathering capabilities – basically everything you’d need to keep those somali pirates at bay.
- Elite Crews: It is manned by highly trained and well-equipped sailors and marines. These are some of the finest in the world, honed through rigorous training programs and ready to tackle any maritime challenge, from high-seas rescues to anti-piracy operations.
- Prior Experience: The Indian Navy has a wealth of experience in combating piracy since 2008. They’ve been at the forefront of international anti-piracy efforts for years, participating in patrols and conducting successful operations. This experience gives them a significant edge in anticipating and responding to pirate threats.
Let’s not forget the recent successes of the Indian Navy! In March 2024, using INS Kolkata, an Indian warship, they travelled around 2,600 km to recapture MV Ruen, rescue 17 crew members and arrested 35 Somali pirates who were controlling the hijacked ship. It was a 40-hours long, well-coordinated operation that showcased the Indian Navy’s capabilities and commitment to protecting Indian interests and international trade routes.
On March 29, an Iranian fishing vessel, “Al-Kambar”was freed by Indian Navy using INS Sumedha, again from Somali pirates. Twenty-three pakistani crew members were rescued and nine Somali pirates were forced to surrender this time.
Successful Anti-Piracy Operation by the #IndianNavy.
After successfully forcing surrender of the nine armed pirates, #IndianNavy’s specialist teams have completed sanitisation & seaworthiness verifys of FV Al-Kambar.
The crew comprising 23 Pakistani nationals were given a thorough… https://t.co/APEyIWmU9e pic.twitter.com/c6TbfL4Jrc— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 30, 2024
The Future of Somali Pirates
Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that will likely determine the future of Somali piracy:
- Continued Vigilance: The key takeaway is that we can’t afford to get complacent. International cooperation, including continued patrols by the Indian Navy and other maritime forces, will be crucial in deterring potential pirate activity.
- Helping the poor: Remember the saying “a healthy nation is a wealthy nation”? The same applies to piracy. Efforts to address the root causes of piracy in Somalia, such as poverty and lack of opportunities, will be essential in the long run. By providing people with a better shot at a decent life, we can make piracy a less attractive option.
.webp "Poor Somali children")
- Technological Advancements: Just like pirates might be adapting their tactics, so too are the good guys! Advancements in maritime technology, like improved surveillance systems and communication capabilities, will further enhance the Indian Navy’s ability to detect and respond to pirate threats.
What will Indian Navy do?
The Indian Navy is expected to remain a critical player in ensuring the safety and security of vital shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea. Here’s how they might contribute in future too:
- Maintaining a Strong Presence: A robust Indian Navy presence in the region will continue to deter pirate activity. On a funny note, it is like a giant “No Piracy Allowed” sign hanging over the Arabian Sea.
- Sharing Knowledge and Expertise: The Indian Navy can play a crucial role in capacity building for other countries bordering the Arabian Sea. By sharing their expertise and training programs, they can create a network of regional maritime forces better equipped to combat piracy.
Conclusion
Combating Somali pirates require a global effort. India, through its strong navy, can play a leading role in collaboration with other nations. By working together, sharing information, and deploying resources strategically, we can create a future where the sea adventure involve breathtaking sunsets, not cutthroat pirates and hijacked ships.
