Indian Navy says attacks on ships indicate 'shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian Exclusive Economic Zone'

livemint.com:

MV Chem Pluto, approximately 220 nautical miles South West of Porbandar indicates a shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian EEZ," the Indian Navy said. The Navy said the overall situation is being closely monitored by the Indian Navy in coordination with national maritime agencies. "The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region," the statement added.

ALSO READ: Rise of pirates in Red Sea to take toll on India’s exim business. Here are items that will turn costlier The MV Chem Pluto (Liberian Flag Chemical/Oil Tanker), carrying 21 Indian and 01 Vietnamese crew, caught fire earlier in December after it was attacked by a suspected drone about 217 nautical miles from Porbandar. It was later secured by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the ICG said in an official statement.

The Indian Navy's explosive ordnance disposal team had then carried out a detailed inspection of merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto on its arrival in Mumbai. Analysis of the area of attack and debris found on the ship pointed towards a drone attack and further forensic and technical analysis will be required to ascertain all the details, Navy officials were quoted by PTI as saying. In view of the spate of recent attacks on commercial vessels, the Navy deployed warships INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata to maintain a deterrent presence in the region, the officials said.