16 Oct :Government has approved deployment of Indian Naval warship in Gulf of Aden to patrol the normal route followed by Indian Flagships during passage between Salalah (Oman) and Aden (Yeman). This anti-piracy patrol will be carried out in coordination with DG Shipping, who will keep Indian Flagship vessels informed in case they want to travel in Indian Ocean along with Indian Navy ship.
The patrolling is commencing immediately. The warship will be carrying helicopters and marine commandos. The presence of Indian navy warship in this area will be significant as Gulf of Aden is a major strategic choke point in the Indian Ocean region and provides access to the Suez Canal through which the sizeable portion of India’s trade flows.
The presence of Indian Navy in the area will help to protect our sea borne trade and instil confidence in our sea faring community, as well as function as a deterrent for pirates.