Presence of Somali Pirates Near Indian Waters Somali based piracy which reached its peak in 2010-11 has been contained as a result of efforts of Indian Navy, other International Naval efforts and measures adopted by the Shipping Industry. There have been no incidents of piracy in the Eastern Arabian Sea since March 2012. During 2011, Indian Navy intercepted four pirate mother ships in Eastern Arabian sea and a total of 120 Somali pirates were apprehended and 74 fishermen were rescued in these operations. These incidents took place at a distance beyond 50 Nautical Miles from the coast of the Lakshadweep & Minicoy islands. Raksha Mantri's comments on Somali pirates at a seminar were made in the context of piracy events which occurred prior to March 2012. This information was given by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar in a written reply to Shri ShantaramNaikin Rajya Sabha today. DM/NAMPI/RAJ
