After Indian Navy rescues 19 Pakistani nationals, Anand Mahindra says India 'doing what UN is not able to do'

In a swift operation, the Indian Navy this week successfully rescued two Iranian fishing vessels from Somali pirates in a single day, as reported by the Defence Ministry. The INS Sumitra patrol vessel executed the rescue mission, saving 17 Iranian crew members on one boat and responding to another distress call to liberate 19 Pakistani nationals on a different vessel.

Indian Navy's efforts were lauded by billionaire Anand Mahindra. "Just the kind of role india should play—global ‘Good Guys.’ Doing what the U.N isn’t able to do. And damn, our guys look tough & effective. Makes me feel safe!,"

The report did not provide immediate details on the fate of the hijackers, but accompanying images displayed 10 pirates with their hands restrained behind them, under the watch of armed Indian naval personnel.


These rescue efforts coincide with a resurgence of Somali piracy in the Indian Ocean, with incidents increasing since last month after a period of relative calm. The pirates seem to be exploiting the Red Sea's instability, where Houthi militia, backed by Iran, has targeted civilian ships in protest against Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip. The Houthis' attacks have led to retaliatory air strikes by countries like the United States and Britain, diverting attention from the Somali piracy threat.



Somali piracy reached its peak around 2011, causing global economic losses of approximately $7 billion annually. International naval patrols and armed private guards, however, managed to contain the threat until a seizure occurred in December 2023.

India's navy has been proactive in responding to recent hijacking incidents. The INS Sumitra, in this instance, successfully rescued the Iman fishing vessel using "coercive posturing" and intercepted the Al Naeemi fishing vessel, boarded by 11 pirates in the southern Arabian Sea.

Amid disruptions in global shipping due to Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea, the Indian Navy has heightened its deployment, dispatching three guided missile destroyers and reconnaissance aircraft to the vast Indian Ocean. In addition to anti-piracy missions, they earlier responded to a distress call from the MV Genco Picardy following a drone attack, showcasing their rapid and effective response capabilities.