The Indian warship INS Kochi is keeping a careful eye on the hijacked Malta-flagged MV Ruen as it gets closer to the Somali coast. Aware of the possible repercussions of any direct engagement, the Indian Navy has chosen to "wait and watch" in this delicate situation involving captives.
Since the Indian warship received a distress signal on Thursday, it has been continuously monitoring the MV Ruen, whose 18-member crew is being held captive by armed pirates. There are two other warships nearby that are ready to react to any unexpected events.
Given the history of Somali piracy, it seems that the most common strategy involves negotiating a ransom in order to ensure the crew's safety. Such hostage scenarios often do not include armed actions due to the inherent risk of casualties.
The Indian Navy's options are severely restricted as soon as the MV Ruen enters Somali territorial waters. Respect for a country's sovereignty within its borders is mandated by international marine law, which makes direct action without Somali acceptance a difficult legal and political matter.
What will happen to the MV Ruen is still uncertain; it is stuck between the dangerous trip to Somali seas and the Indian Navy's watchful eyes. Although the wait-and-watch strategy frustrates those on land, it shows how carefully the Navy has considered the safety of the crew as well as the complex political and legal environment surrounding piracy.
