India Comes To The Rescue

India finally flexed some of its military muscle by defending sea lanes that traverse the Gulf of Aden:

An Indian naval vessel sank a suspected pirate "mother ship" in the Gulf of Aden and chased two attack boats into the night, officials said Wednesday, yet more violence in the lawless seas where brigands are becoming bolder and more violent.

This move by the Indian Navy has significant implications for India: it has raised the country's profile among the comity of nations. India should take a more active role in policing the trade routes from the Straits of Hormuz and the east coast of Africa to the Straits of Malacca. As we have seen, there is no need for over-the-top fire power, but a small naval flotilla, with accompanying helicopter support, is all that is needed.

The Indian government should come out with a comprehensive strategy to keep trade routes safe, and take the lead in creating a multi-national coalition to fight piracy in all its forms.