In a testament to the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to maritime security, Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, bestowed the prestigious ‘On the Spot Unit Citation’ upon INS Sharda during his visit to the Southern Naval Command in Kochi.
This commendation comes in recognition of the ship’s exceptional performance during a daring anti-piracy operation.
The spotlight fell on INS Sharda for its pivotal role in the successful resolution of a harrowing hostage situation involving the Iranian fishing vessel Omari off the East coast of Somalia.
The vessel, with 19 crew members on board – 11 Iranian and 8 Pakistani nationals, fell prey to pirates, prompting a swift response from the Indian Navy.
Tasked with investigating the distressing situation, INS Sharda wasted no time in mobilizing its resources.
Utilizing surveillance inputs from naval Remote Piloted Aircraft (RPA), the ship embarked on a covert mission, maintaining a discreet watch over the targeted vessel throughout the night.
As dawn broke on the fateful day of 02 Feb 24, INS Sharda’s integral helicopter and Prahar team were swiftly deployed into action. The display of assertive tactics by the ship compelled the pirates to relinquish their hold on the hijacked fishing vessel and its crew.
The timely intervention and resolute actions of INS Sharda not only secured the safe release of the hostages but also dealt a significant blow to piracy in the region.
Admiral R Hari Kumar lauded the gallantry and professionalism demonstrated by Team Sharda in the face of adversity. During his address, he underscored the pivotal role played by INS Sharda in upholding the Indian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of seafarers in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Chief of the Naval Staff also hailed the crew’s swift response and decisive action, which has further solidified the Indian Navy’s reputation as the premier security partner in the maritime domain.
The ‘On the Spot Unit Citation’ awarded to INS Sharda serves as a poignant reminder of the Indian Navy’s relentless pursuit of maritime security and its unwavering dedication to protecting the freedom of the seas.
The gallant efforts of INS Sharda underscore the Indian Navy’s resolve to confront maritime threats head-on and ensure the safety and security of seafarers traversing the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean.
