India has, through its permanent representative at the United Nations, conveyed its desire to “use necessary measures to repress acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea”. New Delhi has also moved a proposal to the International Maritime Organisation to set up a multi-national force to tackle the pirates active in Somalia waters, said sources.

Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) N Ravi said on Thursday, “The Indian Government has approached the UN and conveyed its desire to use necessary measures to repress acts of piracy and armed robbery on the high seas.”

New Delhi’s proposal of deployment of warships by various countries, especially Gulf nations, to safeguard the sea-lines of communication (SLOCs) is already being considered by other countries, Ravi said.

Ravi cited two UN Security Council resolutions, 1816 and 1838, which empower the Indian Government to act against the pirates. Sources said the resolutions have given “teeth” to the Indian Navy to carry out combat operations, but India is still “keen to have a multi-national force” since the operations require massive effort and resources.

More teeth on the high seas

UNSC resolution 1816, June 2, 2008, says that for a period of six months from the date of the resolution, the countries cooperating with the transitional federal government of Somalia in the fight against piracy may “enter the territorial waters of Somalia for the purpose of repressing acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea...”

UNSC resolution 1838, October 7, 2008, calls upon countries, “interested in the security of maritime activities, to take part in the fight against piracy on the high seas off the Somalia coast in particular by deploying naval vessels and military aircraft, in accordance with international law”.