Answer:

Introduction:

Tackling the issue of piracy, especially in the context of the Indian Navy and international maritime coalitions, involves a multi-faceted approach that includes proactive patrolling, international cooperation, and legal frameworks.

Body:

• Proactive Patrolling and Surveillance: 
  • The Indian Navy has been actively involved in patrolling key maritime regions such as the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. 
  • The interception of hijacked vessels like the Iranian fishing vessel FV Iman by INS Sumitra is a testament to the Indian Navy’s commitment to ensuring regional maritime safety. 
  • These operations are not only crucial for safeguarding international shipping lanes but also for protecting India’s interests in these waters.
• International Cooperation and Partnerships: 
  • India’s maritime strategy includes significant cooperation with other nations and international bodies. 
  • For instance, India’s participation in the Djibouti Code of Conduct, an international grouping against piracy, showcases its commitment to collaborative efforts in maritime security. 
  • Additionally, India’s involvement in multilateral initiatives like the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and the Indian Ocean Region Association (IORA) further strengthens regional dialogue and cooperation on maritime security issues.
• Bilateral and Multilateral Naval Exercises: 
  • India conducts naval exercises like AUSINDEX with Australia and MALABAR with Quad countries (India, Australia, the US, and Japan) to enhance cooperation and interoperability among navies. 
  • These exercises are crucial for demonstrating military might in the maritime domain and for preparing collective responses to threats like piracy.
• Counterpiracy Operations and Task Forces: 
  • Both India and Australia have been part of joint international counterpiracy patrols. 
  • The Royal Australian Navy’s involvement with the Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force-151 and the Indian Navy’s individual deployments reflect a strong commitment to countering piracy in the region.
• Legal and Legislative Measures: 
  • India has also taken steps to strengthen its legal framework to combat piracy. 
  • The passing of the Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill by the Indian Parliament is an example of legislative action to enable authorities to take action against piracy on the high seas.
• Addressing Underlying Causes: 
  • Beyond military and legal measures, there’s a growing understanding of the need to address the root causes of piracy, such as political instability and economic deprivation in pirate-prone areas. 
  • This comprehensive approach includes on-land operations, peacekeeping, and development cooperation.

Conclusion:

The Indian Navy, along with other international maritime coalitions, tackles piracy through a combination of proactive patrolling, international and bilateral cooperation, naval exercises, legal measures, and addressing the underlying causes of piracy. These efforts are crucial not only for securing maritime routes but also for maintaining regional stability and security.

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