One incident of armed robbery against ships in Asia (CAT 4) from 27 December 2022 to 3 January 2023. The incident occurred to a chemical tanker while anchored at Kandla Anchorage, India.
With this incident, a total of five incidents were reported in India in the year 2022, which is the same as the total number reported in 2021.
Of concern in Asia is the continued occurrence of incidents in the Singapore Strait (SS), which reported a total of 55 incidents in 2022 compared to 49 incidents in 2021; and the threat of abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas.
India passed a Bill to provide an effective legal instrument to combat maritime piracy. The Bill provides for stringent punishment to those convicted of such crimes.
Moving The Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that “ensuring maritime security is key to safeguarding India’s security and economic well-being.”
As he explained, the security of sea lanes of communication is critical as more than 90% of India’s trade takes place by sea routes and more than 80% of the country’s hydrocarbon requirements was sea-borne.
The Bill also addresses the issue of death penalty as an “exceptional case” and the quantum of punishments envisaged are in line with the gravity of offences.