We have learnt about the decision of the organizations representing the global shipping and oil industry to revise the Piracy High Risk Area (HRA) and shift its eastern boundary away from the western coastline of India to 65° East longitude with effect
from 1 December 2015. We welcome this development which reflects the changed ground realities.
HRA was extended from 65° East longitude to 78° East longitude in 2010 in the wake of a surge in piracy incidents off the coast of Somalia. Since then, the international maritime forces have undertaken extensive counter-piracy operations and successfully mitigated
piracy in this region. Indian naval forces too have played a critical role in these operations and have been able to ensure security in our maritime zones. As a result, no piracy attacks have taken place east of 65° East longitude for more than 3 years now.
India had been seeking revision of the HRA back to 65° East longitude as continuation of the extended HRA had both economic and security implications. Payment of Additional War Risk Premium (AWRP) over the extended HRA added to the cost of transportation. The
shipping traffic had moved closer to the Indian coast and the heightened alert had resulted in unfortunate incidents of firing on Indian fishing boats mistaken as pirate skiffs. India had taken up this matter at the meetings of the Contact Group on Piracy
off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as well as bilaterally with the members of the CGPCS.
Revision of the HRA will ensure an optimal utilisation of international resources to combat maritime piracy by focusing international efforts to the actual areas of high-risk.
Containment of maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia is an example of successful international collaboration in the area of maritime security. As a founding member of the CGPCS, India has actively contributed to the international efforts to combat maritime
piracy. We remain committed to continuing our support in this regard.
New Delhi,
October 8, 2015
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