"India known for action that it takes to safeguard lives of its people": Anurag Thakur on MV Lila Norfolk hijack

New Delhi [India], January 6 : Following the rescue of 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from the hijacked Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said on Saturday that India is known for the action that it takes to safeguard the lives of its people.
"India is known for the action it takes to safeguard the lives of the people. From Operation Ganga to rescuing lives from hijacked vessels, there are numerous other examples of what can be done under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi," Thakur said while speaking to ANI.
The Indian Navy's marine commandos rescued 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from the hijacked Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk on January 6, 2024.
The crew members were rescued in a swift operation in the North Arabian Sea after armed pirates attempted to hijack the vessel.
In a statement posted on X, the Indian Navy on Friday stated, "Indian Navy's Swift Response to the Hijacking Attempt of MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea. All 21 crew members (including 15 Indians) onboard were safely evacuated from the citadel. Sanitization by MARCOs has confirmed the absence of the hijackers."
The attempt at hijacking by the pirates was probably abandoned with the forceful warning by the Indian Navy, MPA of interception by an Indian Naval warship, the statement read.
Meanwhile, Indians, who were a part of the crew onboard the hijacked vessel MV Lili Norfolk, thanked the Indian Navy for rescuing them.
In a video posted by the Navy, the crew members can be seen chanting "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and thanking the Indian Navy. One of the Indians who was rescued by the Indian Navy said, "We were stuck for 24 hours. We got relief after the Indian Navy came to rescue them."
Another man said, "Proud of the Indian Navy."