Upon deliberation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s unwavering dedication to upholding the unimpeded traversal of sea routes, and combatting acts of piracy and terrorism in the expanse of the Indian Ocean. This declaration was prompted by a missive from Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, extending gratitude for the secure repatriation of seven Bulgarian nationals.
Yesterday, the Bulgarian Head of State conveyed his appreciation to the Indian Naval forces for orchestrating a successful rescue mission concerning the commandeered Bulgarian vessel, MV Ruen. PM Modi expressed commendation towards President Radev and conveyed India’s contentment over the imminent return of the seven Bulgarian citizens.
“Grateful for your correspondence, President @PresidentOfBg. It brings us joy to know that 7 Bulgarian nationals are secure and will imminently return home. India remains steadfast in safeguarding sea passage and combating piracy and terrorism within the Indian Ocean region,” articulated PM Modi in a communication on X platform.
The vessel christened “Rouen,” hosting eight Bulgarians, nine individuals from Myanmar, and one Angolan national, fell prey to pirates within the Arabian Sea’s domain back in December of the previous year. In an official statement disseminated on X, the Bulgarian President expressed, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to PM @narendramodi for the valiant naval intervention in rescuing the hijacked Bulgarian vessel ‘Ruen’ along with its crew, inclusive of 7 Bulgarian nationals.”
Conversely, Bulgaria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mariya Gabriel, utilized a post on the social networking site Facebook to relay her gratitude towards the Indian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Sanjay Rana, for the Indian Navy’s intervention concerning MV Ruen and the subsequent rescue of Bulgarian nationals.
In a recent Facebook post, Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister, Mariya Gabriel, divulged, “On this day, March 16th, with the invaluable aid of the Indian Navy, the crew aboard the ‘Rouen,’ hijacked on December 14th, 2023, which comprised seven Bulgarian nationals, was liberated.”
“Thanks to the proactive measures taken by the Indian armed forces, the entire crew was emancipated. All mariners are currently in sound health, and endeavors are underway for their expeditious return to Bulgaria,” she appended.
In addressing the ordeal, she expounded that the vessel “Rouen,” with eight Bulgarians, nine individuals from Myanmar, and one Angolan national aboard, had been overtaken by pirates within the Arabian Sea’s domain in December of the previous year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in tandem with all relevant authorities, the overseas embassies of the Republic of Bulgaria in the vicinity, and international allies, is actively engaged in endeavors aimed at securing the release of the Bulgarian crew.
On March 16th, a dialogue was also initiated with the Indian ambassador in Sofia, Ambassador Sanjay Rana, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where an additional appeal was made to the Indian authorities for assistance and to undertake all feasible measures to safeguard the lives and well-being of the crew. She supplemented her proclamation with, “I am profoundly appreciative of the assistance extended by the Indian counterparts in facilitating the release of the Bulgarian seafarers.”