Following an attempt at hijacking, the Indian Navy claimed on Friday, January 5, that it began a Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and redirected INS Chennai to aid a bulk carrier flying the Liberian flag.

The ship had reported via the UKMTO portal that five or six unidentified armed people had boarded in the evening of January 4, 2024.

Early on January 24, the aircraft made touch with the ship while passing over it to check on the crew's safety.

The Indian Navy has responded to these incidents by increasing force levels and maritime surveillance efforts in the Central and North Arabian Sea.

Task groups consisting of annihilators and naval vessels have been established to carry out maritime security operations and support merchant vessels in the event of an emergency.

Additionally, surveillance conducted by long-range maritime patrol aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles has been improved to have a comprehensive understanding of the maritime realm.