New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha approved the Anti Maritime Piracy Bill 2022, which was enacted by Parliament. The Lok Sabha has already approved the Bill. With the help of the Bill, Indian authorities will be able to combat piracy on the high seas. It is applicable to the ocean outside of the Exclusive Economic Zone, which is located more than 200 nautical miles from the shore of India. The Bill defines piracy as any unlawful act of violence, detention, or destruction committed by the crew or passengers of a private ship or aircraft against a ship, aircraft, or person for personal benefit.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar responded to a discussion on the Bill by saying that it will improve India’s reputation as a collaborator with other nations to reduce piracy. In 27 maritime piracy events between 2008 and 2011, according to him, 288 Indian citizens were involved. While there were 155 Indian crew members implicated in 19 pirate cases from 2014 to 2022. According to Dr. Jaishankar, international cooperation has resulted in a decrease in the number of maritime pirate events.
According to Dr. S. Jaishankar, this Bill will offer an efficient legal tool to combat maritime piracy, not only in India’s territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone but also on the high seas. More than 90% of trade, he claimed, is conducted by sea. According to the Minister, India has taken the initiative on the topic of maritime security in a multilateral conference. This, he said, would increase maritime security and improve India’s standing internationally.