^{The INS Chennai}

Indian Navy Foils Hijack Bid, Saves 21 Crew Members, Including 15 Indians

In a successful operation on January 5, the Indian Navy intercepted and foiled the attempted hijacking of the Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk, ensuring the rescue of all crew members on board. The bulk carrier's crew is currently dedicated to restoring its propulsion system, power supply, and steering gear under the Navy's supervision. Once completed, the MV Lila Norfolk will resume its journey under the escort of an Indian naval warship.

Responding to a distress message received through the UK Maritime Trade Operations portal, the Navy swiftly deployed a comprehensive response, including the warship INS Chennai, maritime patrol aircraft P-8I, helicopters, and MQ9B Predator drones. The message had reported the presence of unknown armed personnel boarding the vessel a day before, on January 4.

The Indian Navy's heightened vigilance in the Arabian Sea follows recent attacks in the region. The resurgence of hijacking incidents in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea, after a six-year hiatus, is believed to be fueled by a shift in focus of U.S.-led anti-piracy naval forces towards countering attacks by Houthi rebels in the neighbouring Red Sea.