In a significant development, the Indian Navy is actively monitoring the hijacking of the cargo ship ‘MV LILA NORFOLK’ near the coast of Somalia. The Liberian-flagged vessel, carrying 15 Indian crew members, was hijacked late last evening.
Indian Navy’s swift response includes the diversion and deployment of the Indian warship INS Chennai to assist the vessel. The navy aircraft has been closely monitoring the situation, having established communication with the hijacked ship. An official statement confirmed that the overall situation is under close observation in coordination with other agencies in the area.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, reaffirming India’s commitment to regional maritime security, stated, “The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region along with international partners and friendly foreign countries.”
This incident follows increased surveillance by the Indian navy in the Arabian Sea, responding to recent security challenges in the region. The Navy’s proactive measures aim to secure maritime trade, reinforcing India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region.
