Indian Navy acts on piracy alert: INS Trikand responds to distress call from MV Fareeda 5 in Indian Ocean

The Indian Navy’s mission-deployed frontline frigate INS Trikand swiftly responded to a distress call from merchant vessel MV Fareeda 5 following a likely piracy attempt in the Western Indian Ocean, taking prompt action to investigate and deter the threat.

The intervention ensured the safety of the merchant vessel, with the Indian Navy reaffirming its commitment to protecting maritime security and keeping sea routes safe.

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In a post on X, the Indian Navy said, “Responding swiftly to a distress call from MV Fareeda 5 on a likely piracy attempt in the Western Indian Ocean on 17 June 26, mission deployed INS Trikand a frontline frigate of the Indian Navy undertook prompt action to investigate and deter the threat. Timely intervention assured safety of the merchant vessel. As a preferred security partner and first responder in the region, Indian Navy remains committed to safeguarding merchant shipping, countering piracy and ensuring safe and secure seas.”

Earlier piracy attempt prevented by INS Kolkata

Earlier on May 27, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kolkata foiled a suspected piracy attempt near merchant vessel MV Mashallah 1 in the Western Indian Ocean.

Acting on inputs of pirate activity near the merchant vessel, INS Kolkata, deployed around the Gulf of Aden, carried out immediate action to investigate and prevent the possible threat.

The operation involved surveillance through the helicopter onboard INS Kolkata and boarding operations by the ship’s crew. The timely response helped ensure the safety of the merchant vessel and prevented a possible piracy attack.

Following the incident, the Indian Navy reiterated its focus on safeguarding merchant shipping, countering piracy and maintaining safe and secure seas.

India’s continued anti-piracy mission

Since 2008, the Indian Navy has maintained continuous anti-piracy deployment in the Gulf of Aden. INS Kolkata was commissioned into the Indian Navy in August 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

INS Kolkata is a Guided Missile Destroyer equipped with Gunnery and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Weapons and is the largest warship built indigenously. The ship carries medium-range and short-range guns, anti-air and surface missiles, air and surface surveillance radar, along with bow-mounted sonar.

Modern navigation and communication systems have also been installed onboard the ship.