One famous anecdote date back to Alexander the Great, who, after capturing a pirate, questioned why he resorted to hostile actions to claim control of the sea. The pirate’s responded: “Why do you claim ownership of the entire earth? I use a small ship, so I’m called a robber, while you use a large fleet and are called an emperor”. Piracy has existed alongside maritime trade since ancient times, but its history in the Indian Ocean is complex and unique compared to piracy in other regions. The resurgence of piracy in the early 21st century, particularly off the coast of Somalia, prompted international concern and coordinated responses from naval forces worldwide.
India, strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean region, has long grappled with maritime security threats, including piracy. The Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle regions, known for drug trafficking and illicit activities, contribute significantly to piracy in the Indian Ocean region. The nexus between criminal networks operating in these areas and maritime piracy creates a conducive environment for piracy activities, including hijackings and ransom demands, posing a challenge to maritime security in the region. In response, India has undertaken robust efforts to not only secure regional waters but also contributed significantly to maintaining smooth maritime trade flows.
Historical Context: Rise of Piracy in the Indian Ocean
A traditional Malay proverb suggests that, “the first ever built ship was to catch fish, while the purpose of the second was to rob the first one of its haul”. This shows how piracy has been around for a long time in maritime history. The Indian Ocean has one of the oldest and most important sea trade routes, connecting ancient and wealthy kingdoms. Because of the large amount of valuable goods being transported through this route, piracy has been a major problem in the Indian Ocean.
Piracy in the Indian Ocean has historical roots dating back to ancient times, with raiders targeting merchant vessels for riches. The Middle Ages saw a surge in piracy as maritime commerce expanded, with pirates from various regions disrupting trade. The 17th and 18th centuries were marked by a “Golden Age of Piracy,” with notorious pirates like Henry Every operating in these waters. Colonial powers later suppressed piracy, but it resurged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries due to weak maritime governance, political instability, and arms proliferation, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining maritime security in the region.
One of the most notable episodes of modern piracy in the Indian Ocean was the Somali piracy crisis that peaked in the 2000s. Somali pirates, equipped with speedboats and automatic weapons, hijacked commercial vessels and demanded ransom payments, posing a significant challenge to international maritime security. The resurgence of piracy prompted a robust international response, including naval patrols, collaborative efforts among maritime nations, and initiatives to strengthen maritime security frameworks such as the Djibouti Code of Conduct.
India’s Response:
The Indian Government’s response to piracy operates on three levels. Firstly, through operational measures such as deploying naval ships and armed helicopters in piracy-prone areas. Secondly, at the international level by participating in multilateral forums like “Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (SHADE)”. Thirdly, internally by addressing piracy through legal frameworks, including a proposed piracy bill. However, eradicating piracy requires addressing its root cause, notably the instability in Somalia, requiring international cooperation. Indian Naval and Coast Guard ships also patrol piracy-prone areas near the Indian coast, escorting over 1000 ships and preventing around 40 piracy attacks.
The Indian Navy also, as part of its Maritime Security Operations, has been conducting thorough surveillance in the region. Responding promptly to the piracy threat, the Navy has undertaken a series of strategic operations. Operation Island Watch, initiated in 2009, focused on patrolling critical maritime chokepoints vulnerable to pirate attacks. By monitoring key areas like the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, the operation successfully deterred piracy activities. Notable successes include the arrest of 61 Somali pirates in response to a distress call in 2011. Additionally, the Indian Coast Guard participated in Operation ‘Island Watch,’ patrolling Gujarat’s Dwarka coast in April 2024. Launched in 2019, ‘Operation Sankalp’ by the Indian Navy in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman ensures safety for Indian vessels. The deployment of INS Talwar marks three years of continuous Indian Navy presence in the Gulf, showcasing India’s commitment to stability and strategic security. Naval patrols and monitoring enhance overall maritime security in the region.
Recently, the Indian Navy conducted a decisive anti-piracy operation against the pirate ship MV Ruen, which had been hijacked by Somali pirates in 2010. Utilizing naval assets and international cooperation, the Indian Navy successfully rescued the vessel and its crew, showcasing its capability to ensure maritime security and protect shipping lanes from piracy threats, thus contributing significantly to global maritime safety and stability. Apart from these operations, the recent commissioning of INS Jatayu at the Minicoy islands in the UT of Lakshadweep signifies a substantial step toward strengthening security infrastructure in the broader region, enhancing the Navy’s operational capabilities.
Navy Surveillance: Impact on Regional Security and Trade
India’s naval operations against pirates in the Indian Ocean have significantly improved maritime security and trade. These operations, including patrols and surveillance measures, have deterred piracy activities and safeguarded vital sea lanes, enhancing the safety of commercial vessels. India’s proactive stance has also strengthened regional and international cooperation, leading to collaborative initiatives and improved maritime security frameworks. This success has boosted confidence among shipping companies, resulting in increased maritime commerce and smoother trade flows, contributing to economic stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
Future Outlook: Strategies for Sustained Maritime Security
India’s naval operations against pirates have yielded crucial insights into enhancing maritime security. Addressing logistical challenges and adapting to evolving pirate tactics require technological advancements. Efficient resource allocation and partnerships with regional allies are essential. Diplomatic engagement is vital for navigating complex regional dynamics and tackling piracy’s root causes. To ensure lasting security, India must embrace multifaceted strategies. Advanced technologies like AI-driven surveillance and unmanned vehicles enhance response capabilities. Collaborative efforts with neighboring countries and joint patrols strengthen security measures. Investing in training, infrastructure, and maritime literacy promotes resilience.
Piracy in the Indian Ocean requires a nuanced understanding beyond the traditional portrayal of pirates as mere outlaws. Pirates in the Indian Ocean are influenced by complex regional dynamics, unlike the simplistic view in the West. Understanding this complexity is vital for effective strategies against piracy and maritime security challenges. Continued collaboration with stakeholders, strategic investments in technology, and capacity building efforts will be essential to ensure a secure maritime domain and promote regional stability.
Author: Jui Marathe is pursuing Masters in International Relations & Strategic Studies from University of Mumbai.
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