Indian Navy Deploys INS Kolkata To Prevent Suspected Piracy Attack Near Gulf Of Aden

The Indian Navy said warship INS Kolkata responded to a suspected piracy threat near merchant vessel MV Mashallah 1 in the Western Indian Ocean and prevented a possible attack.

According to the Navy, INS Kolkata was deployed after receiving information about suspicious activity near the vessel close to the Gulf of Aden.

The warship carried out surveillance and security checks in the area to investigate and deter any possible threat.

“Responding swiftly to inputs of pirate activity near merchant vessel MV Mashallah 1 in the Western Indian Ocean, INS Kolkata undertook prompt action to investigate and deter the threat,” the Indian Navy said in a statement posted on X.

Officials said the timely response ensured the safety of the merchant vessel and its crew.

As part of the operation, INS Kolkata deployed its onboard helicopter for aerial surveillance while naval personnel conducted boarding operations to secure the ship and assess the situation.

The Indian Navy has increased its presence in the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and nearby waters due to piracy concerns and security risks affecting commercial shipping routes.

The Navy said it continues to operate as a “Preferred Security Partner” and “First Responder” in the region, focusing on protecting merchant shipping and maintaining safe sea lanes.

India has maintained anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since 2008 and has responded to several distress calls from commercial vessels operating near the Somali coast and surrounding waters.

The Indian Navy referred to its major anti-piracy operation in 2024 involving hijacked merchant vessel MV Ruen, which had been seized by Somali pirates.

During that mission, INS Kolkata tracked the vessel around 260 nautical miles off Somalia after surveillance confirmed armed pirates onboard.

Indian naval forces later disabled the vessel’s navigation systems after a more than 40-hour operation involving drones, marine commandos and other naval assets.

All 35 pirates surrendered during the operation, while the vessel’s 17 crew members were rescued safely without injuries. One Navy surveillance drone was reportedly shot down during the mission.

The operation was conducted nearly 1,400 nautical miles from India.

References: Indian Navy, The Hindu