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

NEW DELHI: Indian Navy will teach a very hard lesson to anybody who attempts piracy, Admiral R Hari Kumar said on Monday.
The chief of Naval staff said Indian Navy won't allow the security and safety in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to be disrupted.
"We have said piracy is not going to happen and we are going to teach a very hard lesson to anybody who tries to take to piracy," the Navy chief said.
A large number of ships are deployed in the IOR, while three to four ships are off Somalia, he said after inaugurating a manufacturing plant of Nibe Defence and Aerospace in Chakan in Pune district.
According to Admiral Kumar, Indian Navy is also undertaking anti-drone operations in north Arabian Sea and Red Sea for the protection of Indians and others in distress.
"Indian Navy is also undertaking anti-drone operations in the North Arabian Sea and Red Sea for the protection of Indians and also other people in distress. Irrespective of nationalities, helping people in distress is our job," the Navy chief said.
He said that if the Indian Navy finds any piracy trigger, be it a single boat, dhow, or a vessel, strong action will be taken.
"Right now, we largely get information through exchange. We are the largest resident Naval power in the Indian Ocean Region and we are not going to permit anybody to disrupt the security, stability and safety in this region," the Navy chief said.
Indian warship INS Sumitra had last month rescued 19 Pakistani crew of a fishing vessel after their Iranian-flagged fishing vessel was attacked by pirates on the east coast of Somalia.
"In the sea, whoever is in distress, we have to help. So, we don't hesitate and we have rescued them from pirates. They were taken hostage by pirates. So, our commanders had gone and, you know, got them released," he added.