India concerned at evolving situation in West Asia, attacks on ships in Red Sea: RS told

NEW DELHI, Dec 12: India remains concerned at the evolving situation in West Asia, with attacks against commercial vessels in and around the Red Sea threatening the freedom of navigation and impacting trade.
India has raised the issue with countries in the region and the Indian Missions are closely monitoring the situation to mitigate its impact, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha to a question on the impact of the Israel-Iran conflict on India.
He said the Government of India is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy that includes diversifying supply sources, enhancing domestic production of oil and gas, expanding the adoption of alternate energy sources and advancing the energy transition.
The Indian Navy is deployed in the region under ‘Operation Sankalp’ to enhance maritime security, proactively respond to any contingency and ensuring protection of Indian Flagged Merchant Vessels, Indian seafarers and Indian cargo.
Till date, 30 Indian naval ships embarked with integral helicopters, and air surveillance platforms have been deployed in these zones, and have effectively responded to over 24 incidents, thereby saving more than 350 lives. This includes 120 crew members of various nationalities.
As part of these operations, more than 1,000 vessels were either boarded or investigated in the Arabian Sea. Some of the notable anti-piracy operations undertaken by Indian Navy include MV Lila Norfolk (release of Crew), MV Ruen (release of crew and apprehension of pirates), and release of FVs Iman and FV Naeemi etc.
Vessels carrying critical commodities for India are being actively monitored and safeguarded during their transit. Indian Navy ships have ensured safe transit of nearly 91 lakh MT cargo onboard over 250 vessels so far, he told the House.
(UNI)