IFC-IOR's Critical Role in Responding to MV Ruen Hijacking
Commander Naveen Deshmukh, IFC-IOR operations officer, speaking to reporters during the media briefing at Gurugram, on December 22, 2023. (Photo: India Sentinels)
Gurugram - In the aftermath of the recent hijacking of the Malta-flagged cargo ship MV Ruen by Somali pirates, the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) emerges as a pivotal force in orchestrating a coordinated response.
Headquartered in Gurugram, IFC-IOR played a crucial role in liaising between key stakeholders and orchestrating communication during the unfolding crisis. Captain Rohit Bajpai, the director, highlighted their constant communication with an Indian Navy patrol aircraft and the subsequent involvement of INS Kochi in the Gulf of Aden.
During the media briefing, Lieutenant Commander Rohit Jadhav, IFC-IOR operations officer, emphasized the significance of intermediary communication and trust-building in addressing the hijacking. He explained how the centre acted as a vital link between the ship's owner and the Indian Navy, ensuring real-time updates and synchronization of efforts.
The international connections of IFC-IOR proved invaluable, with liaison officers from Singapore and Sri Lanka contributing their expertise. This collaboration led to a key development – the safe evacuation of an injured crew member on December 18.
Commander Indika Prasanna Wijesinghe from Sri Lanka highlighted the major hotspots of piracy in the Indian Ocean Region, emphasizing the rise in intensity in the Gulf of Guinea. Singapore's Colonel Ong Yew Kuan Raymond underscored the importance of providing actionable and verifiable information, emphasizing the role of IFC-IOR in ensuring timely and reliable data.
Established in 2018, IFC-IOR aims to become a key player in maritime security. With 25 partner countries and plans to host 40 international liaison officers by 2025, the organization seeks to create a robust network for information exchange and collaboration.
Despite progress, significant security challenges persist in the Indian Ocean Region, threatening global trade and economy. The IFC-IOR stresses the importance of information sharing, cooperation, and comprehensive situational awareness to effectively address maritime threats like piracy, human trafficking, and illegal fishing.
While the MV Ruen incident did not conclude with a triumphant rescue, it spotlighted the indispensable role of IFC-IOR in facilitating communication, building trust, and coordinating responses to maritime incidents. As the organization continues to evolve and collaborate, it stands poised to be an unseen yet essential guardian of the vast waters of the Indian Ocean.