World

India committed to protecting freedom of navigation, combating piracy, terrorism in Indian Ocean region: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reaffirmed India’s commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region.

His remarks came in response to a message from Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, expressing gratitude for the safe return of seven Bulgarian nationals.

On Monday, the Bulgarian President expressed his gratitude to the Indian Navy for successfully carrying out a rescue operation on the hijacked Bulgarian ship, MV Ruen.

PM Modi expressed appreciation for the President of Bulgaria Radev, and conveyed India’s satisfaction that the seven Bulgarian nationals were safe and would soon be returning home.

“Appreciate your message President @PresidentOfBg. We are happy that 7 Bulgarian nationals are safe and will be returning home soon. India is committed to protecting freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region,” said PM Modi in a post on X.

The “Rouen” ship with eight Bulgarians, nine Myanmarese and one Angolan citizen on board was captured by pirates in the Arabian Sea in December last year.

In an official post on X, the Bulgarian President said, “My sincere gratitude to PM @narendramodi for the brave action of Navy rescuing the hijacked Bulgarian ship “Ruen” and its crew, including 7 Bulgarian citizens.”

Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s foreign minister Mariya Gabriel in a Facebook post said on Saturday that she held a conversation with the Indian Ambassador to Bulgaria Sanjay Rana for the Indian Navy’s Operation on MV Ruen and thanked him for rescuing Bulgarian nationals.

In a recent post on Facebook Bulgaria’s foreign minister Mariya Gabriel said, “Today, March 16, with the help of the Indian Navy, the crew of the ship “Rouen” hijacked on December 14, 2023, including seven Bulgarian citizens, was released.”

“Thanks to the efforts of the Indian military, the entire crew of the ship was freed. All sailors are in good health and efforts are currently being made for their timely return to Bulgaria,” she added.

Speaking regarding the incident, she stated that the ship “Rouen” with eight Bulgarians, nine Myanmar and one Angolan citizen on board was captured by pirates in the Arabian Sea in December last year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in close cooperation with all competent institutions, the overseas representations of the Republic of Bulgaria in the region and international partners is actively involved in the efforts to release the Bulgarian crew.”

On March 16, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a conversation was also held with the Indian ambassador in Sofia, Ambassador Sanjay Rana and an additional request was made to the Indian side for assistance and to take all possible actions to protect the life and health of the crew.

She added in her statement, “I am extremely grateful for the assistance of the Indian side in the process of releasing the Bulgarian sailors.”

ANI

Ani service

Recent Posts

“Yoga India’s gift to world, Int’l Yoga Day should be celebrated by all”: Envoys on International Day of Yoga

Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green OAM, called Yoga one of India's gifts to…

18 hours ago

BSNL soft launches Quantum 5G FWA

The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced the soft launch of BSNL Quantum 5G…

20 hours ago

India to evacuate citizens of Nepal, Sri Lanka from Iran

The Indian Embassy in Iran has said that the embassy will make efforts to evacuate…

20 hours ago

Direct tax collections rise 4.86% in FY26 so far, net collections dip on higher refunds

India's gross direct tax collections for the financial year 2025-26 rose by 4.86 per cent…

21 hours ago

“Not seeking the surrender of Ukraine, insist on recognition of realities”: Putin at International Economic Forum

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow is not seeking Ukraine's unconditional surrender, but…

21 hours ago

World has recognised yoga’s scientific importance: LS Speaker Om Birla

Extending his greetings on the 11th International Day of Yoga, Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla…

21 hours ago