Such operations align with India's vision of being a responsible maritime power
In a commendable act of maritime assistance, the Indian Navy recently extended a helping hand to a crew member aboard the Iranian fishing vessel FV Al Ahmadi, who was experiencing severe abdominal pain. The operation was carried out on Monday, March 25, in the Southern Arabian Sea.

A distress call from the Iranian vessel was swiftly answered by an Indian Navy warship, strategically deployed in the region for Maritime Security Operations. The warship’s medical team, upon receiving the report of the crew member’s condition, did not hesitate to embark on FV Al Ahmadi for medical analysis. The patient received symptomatic management from a team of medical specialists, providing much-needed relief.

This is not the first time the Indian Navy has come to the aid of Iranian vessels. Just last month, the Navy had responded to a distress call from two other Iranian vessels. The INS Shivalik, operating in the Gulf of Aden, rendered medical assistance, including critical supplies, to 18 Pakistani crew members aboard the Iranian Fishing Vessel FV Al Arifi.

Moreover, in February, the Indian Navy provided critical repair assistance and medical aid to another Iranian Fishing Vessel, FV Ameen, which had sustained damage, allegedly due to a collision with a merchant vessel. This incident resulted in a hull breach leading to water ingress.

These operations align with India's vision of being a responsible maritime power, fostering good relations with neighboring countries and beyond. The crew members aboard FV Al Ahmadi expressed their gratitude for the timely medical intervention.

The repeated engagement of the Indian Navy in such humanitarian operations not only enhances its stature on the global stage but also reiterates the critical role it plays in maintaining regional stability and safety at sea. As the Navy continues to patrol the waters, its commitment to the well-being of mariners worldwide remains unwavering, solidifying India's position as a key maritime power in the international arena.