The Indian Navy on Sunday (December 31, 2023) said it has beefed up surveillance in the Central and North Arabian Sea amid frequent security incidents on merchant vessels sailing through international shipping lanes.

In a statement, the Indian Navy said: "The last few weeks have witnessed increased maritime security incidents on merchant vessels transiting through international shipping lanes in Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Central/ North Arabian Sea."

"The piracy incident on MV Ruen approximately 700 nautical miles from the Indian coast and recent drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, approximately 220 nautical miles South West of Porbandar indicates a shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian EEZ," the statement said.

The Indian Navy said Task Groups comprising destroyers and frigates have been deployed to undertake maritime security operations and render assistance to merchant vessels in case of any incident.

"Aerial surveillance by long-range maritime patrol aircraft and RPAs has been enhanced to have a complete maritime domain awareness," read the statement.

The Navy said it is operating in close coordination with the Coast Guard.

"The overall situation is being closely monitored by the Indian Navy in coordination with national maritime agencies," the statement said.

Indian Navy said it remains committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region.