While Chinese PLA Navy, despite its increasing size, is still working towards becoming a true blue-water navy capable of operating much beyond its shores, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force pooled their resources to paradrop marine commandos from a Boeing C-17 Globemaster to rescue a hijacked merchant vessel 1400 nautical miles (2,600 km) from the Indian shores.
The message was loud and clear that India is the 'First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region'.
It was the first insertion of marine commandos through airdrop on high seas. A rescue right out of the Hollywood flick "Captain Phillips", the Indian forces executed the anti-piracy operation on the high seas that unfolded for over 40 hours.
Indian Navy's stealth-guided missile destroyer INS Kolkata intercepted a merchant vessel, MV Ruen, which was hijacked by Somali pirates on 13 Dec 2023.
The pirates had sailed in the ship to conduct more acts of piracy when they were stopped by INS Kolkata.
My take
Three cheers to the IN and the IAF for the flawless execution of a fantastic operation. Mera Bharat Mahan!
Tailpiece.
Got up at a half past 3, thanks to Lekha's cellphone alarm, the chores and was ready by a half past 5. We'd kicked off for toothy Mallan's clinic, at Muhamma, by a quarter to 6.
Reached our destination by a half past 9. The breakfast - a combo, shared by Lekha and me as always. Lekha's top palate's furniture was also in place and her smile had that wholesome look. We left the clinic by a quarter to 12 and took the Thanneermukkam Bund road for our return.
Had lunch at the Aaaryas, close to Kalamasserri around a half past 1.
Spent time with Commodore IP Antony, whose wife Thressiamma had passed into the mist of time at 8 mts past midnight on 29 Feb.
Picked up a wall-mounted fan from Gopu Nandilath showroom, two potted bougainvillea plants from a nursery enroute and our fruit basket, before reaching home at about a half past 6.
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