Indian Navy provides medical assistance to Iranian fishing vessel

Indian Navy Renders Medical Assistance to Iranian Fishing Vessel in Gulf of Aden

New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) – The Indian Navy deployed in the Gulf of Aden rendered medical assistance to an Iranian fishing vessel (FV) with 18 Pakistani crew members on board, an official said on Wednesday. Responding swiftly to an alert of a medical emergency by FV Al Arifi, carrying 18 Pakistani crew, the INS Shivalik Mission provided specialist medical advise and critical medicines to the distressed crew, the official said.

INS Shivalik is deployed in the region in consonance with Indian Navy’s mandate of Maritime Security Operations under the broader ambit of the Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

The Navy’s swift response to the medical emergency comes after a similar timely action earlier this year. In January, the Indian Navy thwarted the hijacking of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel in the Arabian Sea. The operation was successfully carried out in collaboration with Seychelles Defence Forces and Sri Lanka Navy, resulting in the rescue of the hijacked vessel.

The Indian Navy’s proactive measures in providing medical aid and preventing hijacking attempts in the region reaffirms their commitment to the maritime security operations in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR. The deployment of INS Shivalik and timely response to distress calls demonstrate India’s dedication to providing security and assistance for all in the region.

It is commendable to see the Indian Navy stepping up and securing the seas, not only for their own country but also for the safety and well-being of vessels and crews from other nations in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. This reinforces the significance of collaboration and mutual assistance in maintaining maritime security in the region.

–IANS
gcb/sha