More coordinated action needed to check Somali pirates: Antony

Defence minister AK Antony today called for more coordinated and effective action to check attacks by Somali pirates as they continue to target merchant ships despite the presence of Navy personnel from 40 countries in Gulf of Eden.

"We have to take more coordinated and effective action. International community coordination is there now," he said responding to a question from reporters on "inaction" by the Centre to rescue the 11 Indian sailors captured by Somali pirates recently.

"Warships from almost all important nations including China, US, Russia, UK, France and India are operating in the Gulf of Eden. Navies of about 40 countries are present there. In spite of that, I agree with you, still occasionally this kind of piracy is taking place," he said.

Indian Navy was able to rescue not only many of our own ships but even ships from other foreign countries, he said.