Indian Navy Dispatch Warships in Response to Drone Attack
Guided-missile destroyers will be strategically positioned by the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea following an incident involving a drone striking a merchant ship linked to Israel. This action was confirmed after the MV Chem Pluto, the vessel in question, arrived at Mumbai port this past Monday.
An official navy release stated that the nature of the attack is under thorough investigation. Preliminary findings suggest a drone was involved in the incident.
“Further forensic and technical analysis will be required to establish the vector of attack, including type and amount of explosive used” the statement further noted.
India's commitment to maintaining secure and open sea routes in the Indian Ocean was reaffirmed by the defense minister on Tuesday.
In a statement at a Mumbai ship commissioning event, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized, “India plays the role of a net security provider in the entire Indian Ocean region. We will ensure that maritime trade in this region rises from the sea to the heights of the sky,”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration has taken serious note of the attack on the MV Chem Pluto and a previous incident involving the commercial oil tanker MV Sai Baba in the Red Sea, according to Singh.
Singh asserted, “The Indian Navy has increased its surveillance of the seas. We shall find whoever is responsible for this attack and strict action will be taken against them”.
Iran's foreign ministry on Monday described the U.S. accusation of Iran's involvement in an attack on a ship near India as 'baseless'.
The U.S. Pentagon reported that a drone originating from Iran targeted the MV Chem Pluto in the Indian Ocean. This incident coincides with efforts by a U.S.-led coalition to address similar threats in the Red Sea.
“Considering the recent spate of attacks in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has deployed Guided Missile Destroyers, INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata …in various areas to maintain a deterrent presence,” the navy's statement detailed.
The crew of the vessel comprised 21 Indian nationals and one Vietnamese citizen.