India deploys Naval warship near Somali coast

New Delhi, Apr 18 (PTI) India has deployed a Naval
warship close to the Somali coast as part of efforts to secure
the release of seven of its nationals still held captive by
the pirates despite taking ransom.
A Talwar Class stealth warship has been positioned
near the coast for readiness for any military action in case
it is required to rescue the hostages.
"We will not leave that place without rescuing the
hostages still with the Somali pirates. This is our top
priority," top Defence Ministry sources said here Monday.
Each Navy warship has a component of elite Marine
Commandos on-board and they have taken part in anti-piracy
operations in the recent past.
Asked if there was a possibility of an operation by
the Special Forces to rescue the hostages, the sources said,
"this is a sensitive issue. We can't talk about it."
The pirates have released eight Indian sailors from
merchant vessel MV Asphalt Venture but have held back seven
hostages to secure the release of their accomplices
languishing in Indian prisons.
The frigate despatched to Somalia will remain close to
the hijacked ship and ensure that MV Asphalt Venture doesn't
get hijacked again nor its crew is harmed by other groups.
The issue comes after a high level meeting held Sunday
to deal with the issue where Indian Finance Minister Pranab
Mukherjee, Home Minister P Chidambaram, Defence Minister A K
Antony and Navy Chief Nirmal Verma were present.
Another meeting is expected to take place Tuesday if
there is any further progress in the issue, they added.
The Indian Navy has captured 120 Somali pirates during
its anti-piracy operations in the waters off the Horn of
Africa and Lakshadweep Islands in the last six months. The
biggest capture was of 61 Somali pirates last month after a
mother ship, Vega 5, was apprehended.
According to reports, 53 Indian sailors are being held
hostage on five different ships. Of them, 17 have been held
for the longest on MT Savina Caylyn, an Italian ship which was
seized Feb 8, 2010.