'India is committed to combating piracy': PM Modi replies after Bulgarian president lauds Indian Navy
- In Reports
- 12:09 PM, Mar 19, 2024
- Myind Staff
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Tuesday that India remains dedicated to safeguarding freedom of navigation and countering piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region. This response came after Bulgarian President Rumen Radev expressed gratitude to him for the Indian Navy's rescue operation of the hijacked vessel MV Ruen.
"My sincere gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for the brave action of Navy rescuing the hijacked Bulgarian ship “Ruen” and its crew, including 7 Bulgarian citizens," Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said in a post on X.
"We are happy that 7 Bulgarian nationals are safe and will be returning home soon," said the Indian PM, in a post on X. He added, "India is committed to protecting freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region."
Earlier on Sunday, Bulgaria's deputy prime minister also thanked India, Modi, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for successfully rescuing the hijacked vessel MV Ruen.
"I express my gratitude to the navy for the successful operation to rescue the hijacked vessel Ruen &its crew members, including 7 BG nationals. Thank you for support & great effort. We continue to work together to protect lives of the crew," Bulgarian minister Mariya Gabriel posted on X. “That's what friends are for,” Jaishankar replied.
On Saturday, the Indian Navy made 35 pirates surrender and effectively rescued the MV Ruen, which had been seized by Somali pirates on December 14 of the previous year. The hijacking of the Bulgaria-owned MV Ruen represented the initial case of Somali pirates boarding a cargo vessel since 2017. All crew members were safely rescued on Saturday without sustaining any injuries.
Image source: Reuters
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