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In a remarkable display of courage and precision, Wing Commander Akshay Saxena of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been awarded a gallantry medal for his pivotal role in a high-stakes mission to rescue the hijacked bulker *Ruen* from Somali pirates. The operation, which took place in March 2024, showcased India’s growing capabilities in maritime security and counter-piracy efforts.
The saga began on December 14, 2023, when Somali pirates boarded the Bulgarian-operated *Ruen* approximately 380 nautical miles east of Socotra Island in the Arabian Sea. The attackers seized 17 crewmembers and navigated the vessel toward the Somali coast, initiating ransom negotiations with the shipowner. However, in an unusual move, the pirates decided to leave Somali waters and venture into the Indian Ocean, intending to use the Ruen as a “mother ship” for further pirate attacks.
By March 15, 2024, the Indian Navy had tracked the Ruen to a position about 260 nautical miles east of Somalia. The warships INS Kolkata and INS Subhadra were deployed to intercept the vessel. When the pirates opened fire, shooting down one of the Navy’s surveillance drones, it became clear that a more decisive approach was needed.
The Indian military devised a daring plan: an air-drop operation to deploy marine commandos near the Ruen. Wing Commander Akshay Saxena, piloting an IAF C-17 transport aircraft, was tasked with leading the mission. The operation required Saxena to navigate through another nation’s airspace for four hours undetected and without authorization, all while avoiding potential small arms fire from the pirates.
Saxena and his crew executed the plan flawlessly. They turned off the aircraft’s transmitters and flew at a low altitude to evade detection. As they approached the drop zone, the location of the intercept changed, forcing the team to adapt quickly. Despite these challenges, Saxena successfully air-dropped 18 commandos and their inflatable rubber boats into the ocean near the Ruen. The commandos parachuted into the water, boarded the vessel, and forced 35 pirates to surrender, ending the standoff without further casualties.
The Indian Ministry of Defense lauded Saxena for his “flawless execution of an extremely grueling mission,” highlighting his “exceptional courage, dynamic leadership, outstanding professionalism, and steadfast determination.” The successful operation not only rescued the *Ruen* and its crew but also demonstrated India’s ability to conduct complex, high-risk missions in international waters.
This was not the only recent success in India’s counter-piracy efforts. On February 2, 2024, Lieutenant Commander Sourabh Malik and his commando squad carried out a daring boarding of the hijacked Iranian dhow Omari. Despite facing heavy small arms fire from the pirates, Malik’s team captured seven armed hijackers and freed 19 fishermen. Malik has also been recommended for a gallantry medal in recognition of his bravery.
These operations underscore the ongoing threat of piracy in the Indian Ocean and the critical role of international cooperation in maritime security. India’s proactive approach, combining advanced technology, skilled personnel, and strategic planning, has set a new standard for counter-piracy efforts in the region.
As piracy continues to evolve, the bravery and ingenuity of individuals like Wing Commander Saxena and Lieutenant Commander Malik serve as a reminder of the human element behind these complex operations. Their actions not only protect lives and property but also contribute to the safety and stability of global maritime trade.