Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s dedication to safeguarding maritime freedom and countering piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region on Tuesday, following Bulgarian President Rumen Radev’s expression of gratitude for the Indian Navy’s rescue of a Bulgarian ship and its crew.
President Radev conveyed his heartfelt appreciation on X, stating, “I extend my sincere thanks to PM Narendra Modi for the courageous action of the Indian Navy in rescuing the hijacked Bulgarian vessel ‘Ruen’ and its crew, including seven Bulgarian citizens.”
In response, said, “We are pleased that seven Bulgarian nationals are safe and will soon be returning home. India remains steadfast in safeguarding maritime freedom and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region.”
Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel mentioned in a Facebook post on Saturday that she had a conversation with the Indian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Sanjay Rana, regarding the Indian Navy’s operation on MV Ruen and thanked him for rescuing Bulgarian nationals.
The Indian Navy’s swift action on Saturday led to the surrender of 35 pirates and the successful rescue of the MV Ruen, which had been seized by Somali pirates on December 14 last year.
