India has successfully freed a Bulgarian merchant vessel, MV Ruen, from Somali pirates, who had hijacked the ship for three months. The operation led by the Indian Navy was praised by an EU state, highlighting India's commitment to protecting freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar responded to Bulgaria's gratitude with the phrase "That's what friends are for," after Bulgaria's deputy Prime Minister thanked India for rescuing a number of Bulgarian nationals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his appreciation for the message from the President of Bulgaria, noting that 7 Bulgarian nationals are safe and will be returning home soon.
Prime Minister @narendramodi replies to President of Republic of Bulgaria regarding rescue of hijacked Bulgarian ship “Ruen” by Indian Navy Read here: https://t.co/ys4i88X6E7 https://t.co/cGY4i88sYW
Appreciate your message President @PresidentOfBg . We are happy that 7 Bulgarian nationals are safe and will be returning home soon. India is committed to protecting freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region. https://t.co/nIUaY6UJjP
EU state praises India for freeing ship from Somali pirates The South Asian country’s navy has rescued a Bulgarian merchant vessel that was under the control of hijackers for three months https://t.co/gmCGSnPEqi https://t.co/2cIo68cWPn
Jaishankar: "That's What Friends Are For..." - Indian EAM Responds to Bulgaria After Bulgaria's deputy PM thanked India for its efforts in freeing a number of Bulgarian nationals from the hijacked MV Ruen commercial vessel, Dr S. Jaishankar gave a perfectly Indian response.… https://t.co/h6QO75x5sh
'That’s what friends are for': Jaishankar after Bulgaria thanks India for rescuing its nationals from hijacked ship MV Ruen https://t.co/NTOZvz7nmC