INDIANS HOSTAGE

Eight Indians charged with abduction, human trafficking in Nepal

In mid-February, 11 Indians, mostly students, were held hostage for over two weeks with a promise to facilitate travel to the USA. They were rescued after Nepal police bust a human trafficking racket and arrested eight Indian mafia members along with their Nepali accomplice.

17 Indians among 25 crew on ship seized by Iran; India in touch with Iran to secure release of Indians

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Gulf with the Indian Ocean and, according to the US Energy Information Administration, more than a fifth of annual global oil consumption passes through it each year. A video shared on social media appeared to show people descending from a helicopter onto the deck of the Aries using a rope. Vessel tracking websites, vesselfinder.com and marinetraffic.com, say MSC Aries is a Portuguese-flagged container ship and gave its last reported position as in the Gulf.

"Knows a thing or two about terrorism, how to confront it": Former Israeli envoy lauds Indian support after Hamas attacks

Former Israeli envoy to India, Daniel Carmon, praised the Indian government for its swift and strong support after terror attacks by Hamas last year. He emphasized the need for international solidarity until all hostages are safely released. Carmon highlighted India's experience with terrorism and called for continued global attention on the hostage situation. The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi among the first to condemn the attacks that resulted in numerous casualties.

Will take affirmative action to ensure safer Indian Ocean Region: Navy chief on anti-piracy ops

The Navy chief cited the dramatic mid-sea operation undertaken by the Navy along with the IAF that ended a three-month hijacking of a bulk carrier with the deployment of its warship INS Kolkata, long-endurance Sea Guardian drones, P-8I surveillance aircraft and airdropping of elite MARCOS commandos from a C-17 plane.

Indian Navy brings 35 Somali pirates who hijacked merchant vessel MV Ruen to Mumbai for trial

Indian Navy captured 35 Somali pirates who had hijacked a bulk carrier and taken hostages. The pirates were brought to Mumbai on INS Kolkata after a major operation that involved marine commandos being para-dropped from an aircraft and exchanges of gunfire. The pirates had used the hijacked ship as a "mother pirate ship" to launch attacks on other commercial ships. The Navy acted in self-defense, disabling the pirates' ship and compelling their surrender.

Indian Navy's capture of pirate ship showcases India's world-class special forces: Western analysts

Indian Navy's successful rescue operation off Somalia's coast showcased top-class special forces capabilities, including the use of coordinated forces and advanced technology. Experts commend the Navy's professionalism and training, highlighting the potential impact on global security.

Budaun Double Murder Case: Police arrest second accused from Bareilly in murder case

A man accused in the Budaun double murder case was arrested in Bareilly after a manhunt. The incident involved the killing of two children by a local barber, leading to widespread shock and condemnation, including from Israel. The main accused was shot dead by police, and the motive behind the murders remains unclear.

Navy rescues hijacked MV 2,600 km from mainland

After a dramatic intervention on the high seas that saw first operational deployment of airborne troops 2,600 km from the mainland, Indian Navy has freed a merchant vessel from pirate control and is bringing the ship and its cargo worth over $ 1 million to India.

Indian Navy rescues hijacked vessel MV Ruen, safely retrieves crew members from 35 pirates

The Indian Navy thwarted an attempt by Somali pirates to use a hijacked merchant vessel as a base for piracy attacks. The operation, led by INS Kolkata and marine commandos, resulted in the apprehension of 35 pirates and the safe evacuation of 17 crew members. The vessel was intercepted, and despite some pirates opening fire, the Navy used minimal force necessary to neutralise the threat. The successful operation demonstrates the Indian Navy's commitment to maritime security.

Resolved to reinforcing peace in IOR: Indian Navy after seizing hijacked ship from Somali pirates

The nearly-40-hour operation saw the Navy deploying its stealth-guided missile destroyer INS Kolkata, patrol vessel INS Subhadra, long-endurance Sea Guardian drones, besides airdropping of elite marine commandos -- MARCOS -- using a C-17 aircraft.

Indians being held 'hostage' in Russia as 'mrit kaal' of unemployment prevailing back home: Congress

Congress criticized the government for Indians being held hostage in Russia as support staff to the Russian army. They highlighted the unemployment crisis, risks faced by Indian youths working abroad, and questioned the recruitment process of the Russian army and the assistance provided by the Indian embassy.

Navy will teach very hard lesson if piracy is attempted in Indian Ocean Region: Admiral Hari Kumar

Admiral R Hari Kumar of the Indian Navy affirmed on Monday that the Navy is committed to ensuring security and safety in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and will respond firmly to any attempted piracy. He highlighted the deployment of numerous ships in the IOR, with specific focus on anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.

Indian warship rescues 19 Pak fishermen

Indian Navy warship INS Sumitra carried out its second consecutive rescue mission by freeing a hijacked Iranian fishing vessel and securing the release of 19 Pakistani hostages. The navy also assisted in the rescue of a hijacked Sri Lankan fishing vessel, supporting the Seychelles Defence Forces. INS Sumitra intercepted fishing vessel Al Naeemi after receiving a distress call about pirates off the Somalian coast. The warship disarmed 11 Somali pirates and rescued the fishermen. The actions will subdue piracy attempts in the Gulf of Aden.

Indian warship ensures safe release of hijacked vessel

INS Sumitra, an Indian naval warship on anti-piracy operations along the East Coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, deployed along the east coast of Somalia responded to a distress call on hijacking of a fishing vessel by pirates. Crew of the vessels were taken hostage by pirates.

Indian navy rescues 19 Pakistani nationals from Somali pirates

It is the second rescue operation within a day for the Indian Navy after saving another Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, FV Iman, from Somali pirates, which had 17 crew members onboard in its anti-piracy operations along the east coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden on Monday, an official statement said. The Indian Navy said that its warship INS Sumitra intercepted the distressed vessel and pressed into action to locate the fishing vessel, which had been boarded by pirates and saved 19 Pakistani national crew members who were taken hostage.

Indian Navy successfully saves 19 Pakistani hostages from Somali pirates

Indian, Egyptian armies begin 11-day exercise

The Indian contingent comprised 25 personnel from the Parachute Regiment (special forces) at the second edition of the India-Egypt exercise 'Cyclone'. The first edition of the special forces exercise was conducted last year in India.

India, USA to coordinate with key West Asian partners to prevent conflict from spreading

The 2 + 2 Ministerial committed to continue coordinating with partners in the region on humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. They expressed support for humanitarian pauses and committed to continue close diplomatic coordination, including with key partners in the region, to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East, and work toward a political solution and durable peace.

Israel-Hamas conflict: Release hostages, de-escalate, start direct peace talks, says MEA

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi urged both the sides to eschew violence, de-escalate the situation and create conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations towards a two-state solution to the Palestine issue. He has called for an early release of the hostages.

For Diwali this year, Israel envoy requests Indians to 'light a diya' for hostages held by Hamas

Condemning Hamas for its October 7 onslaught, Israel's Ambassador to India Naor Gilon has said that if the country is able to eliminate Hamas terrorists, it will also decrease chances of a ripple effect. Gilon posted a video on X and said that just as Lord Ram's return is celebrated on Diwali by lighting Diyas, a diya (lamp) must be lit in the hope of having our loved ones return.

Israel Ambassador Gilon to Indians: Light a 'Diya of Hope' for the hostages

Indian Air Force on standby to bring back Indians from Israel

The Indian Air Force has prepared its aircraft for potential evacuation operations to bring back Indian citizens from Israel amidst the ongoing war with Hamas. The IAF's transport aircraft fleet, including the C-17, IL-76, and C-130J Super Hercules, has been utilized in previous evacuation missions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched "Operation Ajay" to repatriate around 18,000 Indians in Israel.

Myanmar gang holds over 300 Indians hostage, forces them into cybercrime

These people are being held hostage by the gang in an area that is not under the control of the Myanmar government and is dominated by ethnic armed groups.