India concerned over piracy, backs Somalia stability

Voicing concern over increasing piracy, India has expressed solidarity with Somalia and backed global efforts to bring stability to the war-torn nation.

“India desires stability in Somalia. Piracy is the most obvious example of the lack of it,” Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed said at a global conference in London Thursday.

“We support all international efforts, led by the United Nations, for the creation of an environment in which the Somalis can take care of their own destiny, free from violence of all kinds,” said Ahamed.

“A number of Indian seafarers remain hostage to pirates in Somalia. We hope the outcome document of this important conference will reflect our concerns over the treatment meted out to mariners,” he said.

“We remain committed to helping Somalia in its development,” he stressed.

India has offered support to Somalia in capacity building through human resource development that has helped bolster the information technology sector in Somalia.

In May last year at the second India-Africa Forum Summit, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had pledged funds for augmenting the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). India has contributed $1.5 million to the AU Trust Fund on Somalia and $0.5 million to the UN Trust Fund.

Controlling piracy is critical to India’s maritime security in the region as Indian trade worth about $120 billion passes through the Gulf of Aden annually.

India is also planning extending technical assistance to Somalia in developing a counter-piracy policy and strategy.