India may arm its merchant vessels

Alarmed by the rising number of attacks on merchant vessels and
abduction of naval staff, the Centre plans to permit Indian merchant ships to carry light arms for their protection.

Moreover, retired Indian Navy and Coast Guard personnel could
be allowed to accompany the
merchant ships.

The principal director of ex-servicemen affairs of the integrated headquarters in the ministry of defence (Navy), Commodore MVS Kumar, on Sunday said that Union government is considering such initiatives for the safety of Indian merchant ships and their staff at sea.

The owners of merchant ships in India are demanding that the Union government permit them to carry small firearms like light
machine guns.

Kumar was speaking to DNA on the sidelines of a programme to interact and address Pune-based ex-navy sailors. “The issue is being discussed by the Union government. Once approved, the ministry of shipping would come out with the notification,” he added.

Kumar admitted that since sea piracy, especially in the Persian Gulf, poses a mounting threat to mercantile trade, there is a need to tackle the pirates. “For this, a lot of maritime security guards will be required, which are available in the form of retired sailors of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard,” he added, stating that they can be hired.

Foreign merchant ships are allowed to carry arms in self-defence, but Indian ships are not permitted to do so, making them more
vulnerable at sea, he said.