Monthly digest of official Indian statements on the Middle East g

Bilateral Issues 

a. Iran 

1. Shift in Policy on Iran and Myanmar, New Delhi, 1 December 2010

Question: Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether the US President during his recent visit, made some remarks about the India’s relations with Iran and Myanmar; 

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; 

(c) whether India has its vital interest in Myanmar and Iran to meet its energy and crude oil requirements and Indians living in these countries; 

(d) if so, the details thereof; 

(e) whether the Government proposes to change its foreign policy in regard to these two countries after US President’s remarks; and 

(f) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

Answer: The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)

(a) & (b) Yes. There were references to Iran and Myanmar in the address of US President Barrack Osama to a meeting of Members of Parliament on 8 November 2010. These remarks reflect the views of the United States and do not have a bearing on the policies of the Government of India with regard to Iran and Myanmar. 

(c) & (d) Iran is a major source of India’s imports of energy resources. India and Myanmar have a broad based, multi dimensional relationship, including in the area of oil and natural gas. 

(e) & (f) India’s bilateral relations with Iran and Myanmar stand on their own and are not influenced by India’s relations with third countries.

Source: Look Sabah (House of the People), Unstirred Question No. 3552 asked by Mr. Née raj Shepherd and Mr. Assaduddin Owaisi, http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220116930

2. Support to Iran’s Conference on Disarmament, New Delhi, 2 December 2010

Question: (a) whether Government supports Iran conference on disarmament recently;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the present status thereof?

Answer: The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)

(a) to (c) India participated in an international conference on disarmament and non-proliferation organized by Iran in Tehran on 17-18 April 2010. The conference deliberated upon various aspects relating to disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, in particular nuclear weapons. The Government of India continues to support the goal of global and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.

Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 2509 asked by Mrs. T. Ratna Bai.

3. Prime Minister’s statement to the media at the Joint Press Interaction, New Delhi , 6 December 2010

... We discussed other regional and global issues of common concern, including the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Myanmar, terrorism and climate change. We have agreed to work closely with each other on all these issues during our membership of the UN Security Council.... 

Source: MEA, New Delhi, http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=530116771

4. India- France Discussions, New Delhi, 6 December 2010

... France and India reaffirmed their commitment to diplomacy to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, and discussed the need for Iran to take constructive and immediate steps to meet its obligations to the IAEA and the UN Security Council.... 

Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi, http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=530216770

5. Issue of settling transactions under the ACU mechanism being addressed, New Delhi, 31 December 2010

In response to a question, the official Spokesperson stated:

‘We have seen reports regarding problems with respect to settlement of current account transactions with Iran under the Asian Clearing Union mechanism. This is a technical issue and the Reserve Bank of India is seized of the matter. Efforts are being made to resolve the issue as soon as possible. There is no question of India acting under pressure of any country’.

Source: Ministry of External affairs (MEA), New Delhi, http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=530316974

b. Israel

6. Bilateral Trade Relations with Israel, New Delhi, 8 December 2010

Question: (a) the details of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Israel that was discussed earlier this year;

(b) whether there are any benefits to India with this agreement;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether bilateral trade relations between India and Israel have increased thereafter?

Answer: The Minister of Commerce and Industry (Mr. Anand Sharma)

a) to d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.401 FOR ANSWER ON 8TH DECEMBER 2010 REGARDING ‘BILATERAL TRADE RELATIONS WITH ISRAEL’

(a) The First Round of India –Israel Negotiations was held on 26th May 2010 in New Delhi. During these negotiations, a decision was taken that once the core issues are understood and parameters are outlined, then experts can be drawn for sectoral access. Both the sides agreed to exchange factual information, textual concepts. The second round of negotiations are slated for February, 2011 in Jerusalem (Israel).

(b) & (c) : Yes, Sir. With the Free Trade Agreement, India stands to gain:

Increase in export opportunities in rice, oilseeds, walnuts, meat, sugar, organic chemicals, polythene products, yarn, ladies garments, construction material, cement clinkers, iron and steel products, other metals products (copper especially), other vehicles (tractors), auto-components, textiles etc.

There are Trade Barriers in Export of Agricultural Products and Meat Products to Israel. FTA will be beneficial for Indian Exporters to enhance their trade in these products.

India’s strength lies in services sector whereas Israel is strong in consultancy, engineering, Information Technology and Architecture. Both the countries stand to gain with this agreement.

(d) : The negotiations are at a preliminary stage. It is too early to assess the impact of Free Trade Agreement after the first round of negotiations on bilateral trade relations between India and Israel. However, bilateral trade has registered an increase from US$ 1106.24 million to US$ 1717.74 million in April- July, 2010 when compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Starred Question No. 401 asked by Mr. Moinul Hasan

c. Saudi Arabia 

7. Agreement with Saudi Arabia, New Delhi , 9 December 2010 

Question: Will the Minister of Railways be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Railways have any agreement with Saudi Arabia for operating major mineral railway lines in the desert kingdom;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c)the details of projects that the State owned RITES company is constructing railway lines in various countries inter-alia indicating the project cost and length of railway line being constructed?

Answer: Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways (Mr. K. H. Muniyappa)

(a): Yes, Madam.

(b): M/s RITES Limited and Saudi Railway Company (SAR) have entered into an ‘Operation and Maintenance’ contract in respect of Mobilization services, Operation and maintenance of Minerals Line of the North-South Railway Network, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

(c): No, Madam. RITES Limited is presently not constructing railway lines in other countries.

Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 4834 asked by Mr. S. Semmalai.

Specific Issues

d. Hajj  

8. Hajj Management Reforms , New Delhi, 1 December 2010

Question: Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:

a) whether the Government is framing any note on Hajj Management reforms;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has any Plan to cut Hajj subsidy which is given for Hajj pilgrimage; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

Answer: The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)

(a) to (d) The management for the Hajj pilgrimage is a complex exercise. The Government makes extensive arrangements for the Hajj. It is the constant endeavour of the Government to improve and reform the management of the Hajj pilgrimage in consultation with the all concerned. In 2009, the Hajj subsidy has been marginally reduced. The Government has taken a decision to increase the airfare chargeable from the Hajj pilgrims going through Hajj Committee of India from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 16,000 per pilgrim.

Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 3571 asked by Prof. Sk. Saidul Haque, http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220216827

9. Subsidy to Hajj Pilgrims, New Delhi, 2 December 2010

Question: Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state: 

(a) the total number of Hajj applications received by the Ministry this year; 

(b) the total subsidy granted to pilgrims; 

(c) the total number of applicants who were not issued passports; and

(d) the reasons therefor? 

Answer: The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)

(a) The total number of applications received by the Hajj Committee of India for Hajj –2010 are 3,00,680. 

(b) Information is tabulated below: 

Financial Year Hajj Subsidy granted to pilgrims 

(administered by Ministry of Civil Aviation)   

2009-10 Rs. 611* crore [61.1 billion]   

2010 -11 Figures will be available after completion of Hajj.    

*Provisional figures 

(c) & (d) The applicants who were not issued passports are 1,322 due to incomplete application forms, submission after due date, absence of requisite documents.

Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No.  2505 asked by Mr. Rashid Alvi, http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220116926

10. Difficulties of Hajj Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, New Delhi, 9 December 2010

Question: (a) whether it is a fact that the complaints of difficulties to Indian Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia are continuously coming;

(b) if so, details of the complaints;

(c) the details and nature of complaints till date;

(d) whether the present unhappy situation is due to mismanagement, lack of co-ordination, unsatisfactory arrangement and corruption; and

(e) if so, the steps that are being taken to stem the rot and to punish the guilty?

Answer: The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)

(a)to (e) Some complaints have been received regarding pilgrims not getting the desired category of accommodation, inadequate facilities at the place of stay, problems of local transport, etc. Further some complaints received related to hardships faced due to delay in arrival, departure of flights, change in flight schedule and non receipt of baggage, etc. There is a system in place for the redressal of hardship faced by the pilgrims. The improvement in the Hajj management is a continuous exercise for which the Government regularly reviews previous arrangements.

Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 3284 asked by Mr. Mohammed Adeeb

11. Cancellation of confirmed Hajj pilgrims, New Delhi, 9 December 2010 

Question: Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Central Hajj Committee had cancelled Hajj pilgrimages of sixteen thousand confirmed Hajj pilgrims at last moment;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and the reasons for cancellation at last moment without any information;

(c) whether pilgrimage of 5000 confirmed Hajj pilgrims was cancelled from Uttar Pradesh only; and

(d) if so, the details thereof, district-wise and the details of conditions which forced to take such a decision?

Answer: The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)

(a) & (b) 12,459 selected pilgrims, who failed to submit their application forms and passports within stipulated time were replaced by wait-listed pilgrims by the Hajj Committee of India. State-wise break-up is enclosed at Annexure-'A'.

(c) No.

(d) Does not arise.

Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 3280 asked by Mrs. Kusum Rai, http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220116869

12. Mismanagement by hajj committee, New Delhi, 9 December 2010  

Question: Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government is aware that Hajj pilgrims at IGI airport, during the current Hajj pilgrimage, suffered due to mismanagement by Hajj Committee;

(b) if so, the details thereof ;

(c) whether the food provided to pilgrims by Hajj Committee were substandard and their quantity and quality, both were compromised;

(d) if so, the details thereof ;

(e) whether Government would set up enquiry and punish the responsible officials found guilty;

(f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(g) the other steps Government would take to redress their grievances?

Answer: The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)

(a) No such complaint has been received either in the Ministry or by the Hajj Committee of India.

(b) Does not arise.

(c) Hajj Committee is not responsible to provide food to the pilgrims during the journey. However, as per Air Charter Agreement signed between Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Flight Operators, it is the responsibility of the operators to provide standard food during the journey.

(d) No complaint has been received so far in this regard.

(e) & (f) Does not arise.

(g) There is a system in place for redressal of the hardship faced by the pilgrims. The improvement in the Hajj management is a continuous exercise for which the Government regularly reviews previous arrangements.

Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 3279 asked by Mrs. Kusum Rai, http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220116868

e. Palestine

13. Blockade of Palestine, New Delhi, 8 December 2010

Question: Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that there is a continuous social, economic and psychological blockade of the Palestinian people;

(b) if so, the steps taken by the government to support Palestinian cause; and

(c) the present stand of the Government in this regard?

Answer: The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)

(a) to (c) Government are aware of the restrictions placed on the Palestinians residing in Gaza Strip. India has called for an early and significant easing of restrictions on the free movement of persons and goods within Palestine.

India’s abiding commitment to the Palestinian cause is an important component of our foreign policy. Our unwavering support to the Palestinian cause is reiterated at every available opportunity and forum including during the recent visit of the Honourable President to Syria and by the Honourable Prime Minister in his message on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, organized by the UN on 29 November 2010.

India believes that the conflict in West Asia is essentially political in nature and cannot be resolved by force. India wishes to see the creation of an environment for the earliest possible resumption of dialogue. In line with our support for UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, India supports a negotiated solution resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel as endorsed in the Quartet Roadmap and UNSC Resolutions 1397 & 1515. India has supported the Arab Peace Plan, which calls for withdrawal of Israel to pre-1967 borders, along with recognition of Israel and the establishment of the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 4698 asked by Mr. Basudeb Acharia, http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220216876

Multilateral Issues/ Regional Issues 

f. India and the Middle East/ West Asia

14. Gulf War Compensation, 1 December 2010

Question: Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has any statistics regarding the number of applications received for Gulf war compensation;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the amount released, State-wise;

(c) the applications pending for compensation along with the reasons therefor; and

(d) the steps taken by the Government to clear the pending cases?

Answer: The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)

(a) & (b) While statistics for the number of applications received for Gulf war compensation are not available, the settlement of 1.47 lakh [147,000] valid Indian claims was successfully completed by the Special Kuwait Cell of the Ministry of External Affairs before the United Nations Compensation Commission’s final deadline of January, 2008. A sum of US$ one billion was paid to them as a result of this.

(c) & (d) No application for compensation is pending with the Ministry of External Affairs. The United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC) stopped claims disbursement operations since January, 2008 and informed that no further claims are due to Government of India or the Indian claimants.

Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 3529 asked by Mr. Anto Antony, http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220216789

15. Address by Foreign Secretary on Inaugural Session of Conference on Public Diplomacy in the Information Age, 10 December 2010, New Delhi 

... In this connection, our public diplomacy efforts must focus on the composite nature of our culture, our inter-religious harmony, our emphasis on inclusive, integrative growth, especially when it comes to outreach in our neighbourhood, in South-east Asia, in the Gulf countries and in Africa.... 

Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi, http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=530116830

16. Address by Minister of State in the Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Mrs. Preneet Kaur at the 3rd Asia Middle East Dialogue Meeting, Bangkok ,15 December 2010 

Mr. Chairman, Honourable Ministers, Heads of Delegations, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Sawadee Kha, and Namaskar

I am delighted to be here today in Krung Thep, the city of Angels, with friends from Asia and the Middle East, or West Asia as we call it. It is interesting to look at geographical terms given to our region like Middle East or Far East, which perhaps reflect the world view of those who coined such terms. Perhaps, some day we might find terms like Middle West or Far West coming in vogue!!. However, in spite of use of such terms, the fact remains that we remain united by rich tapestry of our common history, culture and heritage…

I thank Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Kasit Piromya and the Government of Thailand for the warm welcome accorded to us, and for the hospitality that has made Thailand a leader in the field of Tourism and hospitality. AMED’s journey, from our previous host Egypt to Bangkok, marks the continuing experience in gracious hospitality that is a hallmark of our shared culture. I would like to convey our warm greetings and felicitations to His Majesty the King of Thailand, whose 83rd birthday anniversary we celebrated with great enthusiasm recently…

It is good to be among fellow Asians. AMED symbolizes the confluence of ideas and thoughts, and we are happy to see this process gathering strength since the first meeting in Singapore in 2005…

These close historical links and connectivity are also mirrored in modern day partnerships and close ties between India and countries of West Asia. The Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) alone are host to more than 5.5 million Indians, who constitute a significant proportion of the expatriate population in these countries. They remit more than US$30 billion annually out of a total of around USD 50 billion annual remittances to India - the largest inward remittance flow in the world. Trade with GCC countries in 2009-10 was of the order of US$93 billion making the GCC India’s largest trading partner…

Our collective experience has shown that in order to be sustainable, global economic growth has to be inclusive, and its fruits be shared equitably. I would suggest that just as global connectivity ensures flow of inputs and resources that go into producing wealth; it has to also ensure a balanced distribution of wealth thus generated across the regions and countries. A fair and equitable trading system, as enshrined in the objectives of the Doha Development Round, is the sustaining force behind the web of connectivity we’ve built today, and it is therefore imperative that we work together to bring the Doha Development Round to a satisfactory conclusion at the earliest.

I thank you for your attention. Khop Khun Kha.

Source:  Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi,http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=530116858

Miscellaneous

17. Bilateral treaties with Asian States, 1 December 2010, New Delhi

Question: Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state: 

(a)  whether  there  is  any  proposal  to  review  bilateral  treaties with  any Asian countries; 

(b)  if so, the details of any such proposals; and 

(c)  the circumstances under which Government reviews bilateral treaties with foreign countries?

Answer: The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)

(a) & (b) Yes. Details of treaties/agreements under review are as follows:

(c) Treaties are monitored continuously and amended as required through consultation and negotiations, and with the approval of treaty parties.

Sl.No. Country                Name of Treaty   

1. China Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement   

2. Indonesia (i)  Air Services Agreement 

                        (ii)  Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement   

3. Israel (i)  Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement 

                (ii)  Air Transport Agreement 

                (iii)  Programme on Cultural and Educational Cooperation.   

4. Japan Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement   

5. Jordan Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement   

6. Malaysia (i)  Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement 

                        (ii)  Air Services Agreement   

7. Mongolia Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement   

8. Nepal 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship   

9. Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement   

10. South Syria Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement   

11. Syria Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement   

12. Thailand Air Services Agreement   

13. Vietnam Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement   

14. Kuwait Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement   

15. UAE Protocol to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement   

16. Oman Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement   

17. Saudi Arabia Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement   

18. Qatar Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement  

Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 3472 asked by Mrs. J. Shantha, http://meaindia.nic.in/meaxpsite/parliament/ls/2010/12/01ls06.pdf

18. Steps for NRI’s in Education Field, 2 December 2010, New Delhi

..University Grant Commission (UGC) has also issued guidelines to all universities to create 15 per cent supernumerary seats in all the Universities/Departments to foreign nationals /Persons of Indian Origin/ Children of Indian workers in Gulf countries. 5% supernumerary seats out of the above 15 per cent are earmarked for children of Indian workers in Gulf Countries under both AICTE notification /UGC guidelines.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), New Delhi, http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=68010

19. International Cooperation in Education, New Delhi, 8 December 2010 

The Ministry of Human Resource Development has signed exclusive exchange programmes in the form of Educational Exchange Programme (EEP) or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the following ten countries to strengthen international cooperation in the field of education during the Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012):

1. ETHIOPIA 4. NORWAY 7.BOTSWANA   

2.VIETNAM 5. CHILE         8.MALAYSIA   

3. OMAN         6.KUWAIT  9.TURKMENISTAN   

10.CANADA  

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), New Delhi, http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=68289

20. Demand of Labourers from India, New Delhi,  9 December 2010

Indian workers emigrate every year for Overseas employment in different sectors including manufacturing industry. During 2009 about 6.10 Lakh [610,000] Indian workers emigrated under the Emigration Act, 1983. Out of this, about 90 per cent of the emigration takes place to the Gulf Countries. However, no Government of any foreign country has specifically made a request for calling labourers from India for working in their manufacturing goods industry.

The Government has taken several initiatives for protection and welfare of Overseas Indian Workers which include:

(i) Attestation of employment documents by the Indian Mission concerned is mandatory in the case of recruitment of ‘unskilled workers’ and ‘housemaids’ for all 17 ECR countries. Attestation is required for all categories of workers in Yemen, Lebanon, Libya, Jordan, Sudan and Kuwait.

(ii) Government has established an Indian Workers Resource Centre (IWRC) at UAE.

(iii) A recalcitrant foreign employer is blacklisted (by placing him in the Prior approval category list) from future recruitment in consultation with the Indian Mission.

(iv) A Nationwide Awareness-cum-Publicity Campaign through media has been launched to educate intending emigrants about legal emigration procedures, risk of illegal migration and precautions to be taken during emigration.

(v) The Ministry has set up the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) in 42 Countries for providing onsite support and financial assistance to Indian workers in distress.

(vi) The Government has established an Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC) which is a 24x7 hour telephone helpline which provides information to intending emigrants as well as emigrants on all aspects of emigration. Complaints can also be lodged through this helpline.

(vii) India had signed Labour Agreements with Jordan and Qatar in 1980s to protect the interest of the Indian Workers. Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) were signed with United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December, 2006, with Kuwait in April, 2007, with Oman in November 2008, with Malaysia in January 2009, and with Bahrain in June 2009. An Additional Protocol to the existing Labour Agreement between India and Qatar was signed in November, 2007.

Under these MOUs, Joint Working Group (JWG) have been constituted that meet regularly in order to resolve bilateral labour issues. These MOUs enhance bilateral co-operation in management of migration and protection of labour welfare.

This information was given by the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri Vayalar Ravi in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB) New Delhi, http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=68337

21. Dhow with 31 Pirates Disabled by Indian Naval Ship in Gulf of Aden, 10 December 2010, New Delhi

On 8th Dec, in the Gulf of Aden, 166 Kilometres South of Yemen, INS Investigator, intercepted and disabled a dhow carrying 31 personnel with piracy triggers.INS Investigator was on transit through the Gulf of Aden when a distress call was received from MV Naftocement 18, reporting a dhow attempting to close the ship. INS Investigator took swift action to close the dhow and launch a boarding party. Investigations revealed six skiffs with six Out Board Motors (OBMs), one AK-47 with magazine and ammunition box, gas cylinders, fuel and fresh water drums on board the dhow. All equipment was rendered unavailable and the dhow disabled from launching possible piracy missions.

At the same time INS Gomati deployed in Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy escort duties, was escorting other Merchant Vessels 110 km East of the incident.

This incident marked the twenty sixth instance of successful disruption of piracy attempts by the Indian Navy since the anti piracy operations were commenced by the Indian Navy in Oct 08.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), New Delhi, http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=68421

Note: The Exact web links for the questions in the Indian Parliament are non-functional due to technical reasons. They can be searched through the question number or the name of the Member of Parliament concerned at the Website of Rajya Sabha (www.rajyasabha.nic.in) and Lok Sabha (www.loksabha.nic.in)  

Anjani Kumar Singh is a Doctoral candidate in the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. 

The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views/positions of the MEI@ND. Editor, MEI@ND: P R Kumaraswamy