Warship INS Kolkata returned to Mumbai on March 23 with 35 pirates who were apprehended in an operation off the coast of Somalia. The pirates, captured as part of the ongoing Operation Sankalp, were handed over to the Mumbai police for further legal action in accordance with the Maritime Anti Piracy Act 2022. The Indian Navy ships are deployed in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden to ensure the safety of seafarers and trade passing through the region. In the operation lasting over 40 hours, INS Kolkata intercepted Pirate Ship ex-MV Ruen. The ship was being used as a Mother Ship for piracy attacks and hijackings of merchantmen. INS Kolkata shadowed the pirate ship and directed it to stop for investigation. However, the pirate ship refused to comply and fired at INS Kolkata. In self-defense, INS Kolkata disabled the ship and compelled the pirates to surrender. The Indian Navy took the pirates and the crew members into custody and searched the ship for arms, ammunition, and contraband. The ship was rendered safe and necessary repairs were made by the naval technical team.