New Delhi, March 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to safeguarding the freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region. His statement came in response to Bulgarian President Rumen Radev’s gratitude for the Indian Navy’s successful rescue operation of a hijacked Bulgarian ship, “Ruen,” along with its crew, including seven Bulgarian citizens.

Expressing appreciation for Radev’s message, Modi stated, “We are pleased that seven Bulgarian nationals are safe and will soon return home. India remains dedicated to protecting freedom of navigation and countering piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region.”