Piracy Soars: 29 Attacks in 5 Months, 12 Hijackings Off Somalia

Why in news

A surge in piracy incidents off the coast of Somalia and near the Strait of Hormuz has led to the hijacking of ships carrying Indian seafarers, threatening maritime trade routes.

Background

Piracy incidents off Somalia nearly tripled in 2026 compared to 2025, with 29 incidents recorded between April and August 2026. Two commercial ships carrying 22 Indian seafarers were hijacked in August 2026 and are currently held in Somali waters.

Facts for Prelims

• Fact29 piracy incidents and 12 hijackings recorded off Somalia between April and August 2026.
• PlaceStrait of Hormuz: A critical maritime chokepoint for global oil and trade.
• PostIndian Navy: Responsible for maritime security and anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

For Mains

Q. Discuss the challenges posed by maritime piracy in the Indian Ocean Region and evaluate the measures India can take to ensure the safety of its seafarers and trade routes.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• impact on global supply chains
• maritime security cooperation
• technological surveillance
• diplomatic engagement with coastal states

Keywords: maritime security · blue economy · chokepoint · sovereign interests · supply chain disruption

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