International shippers are “impressed” with the Indian military’s efforts to counter piracy off the coast of Somalia and have expressed appreciation of the efforts.

“We are very grateful for the efforts of the Indian military and their contribution to tackle piracy off Somalia, which is impressive. The international shipping community is very pleased with that,” Mr Simon Bennett, Director of external relations of the London-based International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), told PTI.

He pointed out that piracy off Somalia was currently at the lowest level, with about 200 seafarers held in captivity. “However, this is totally unacceptable,” he said.

He also called on India to allow the embarkation and disembarkation of armed guards on merchant ships.

“We understand the sensitivities in India, about people with arms and terrorism. But we are sure that by working with the international community, procedures can be agreed upon whereby it is possible to embark and disembark armed guards in India,” said Mr Bennett, who is here to attend the three-day Asia-Pacific Maritime 2012 conference that opened yesterday.

He declined to comment on the Italian marines facing court charges in India for killing two Indian fishermen, but said the incident shows the difficulties when it come to engaging armed guards — whether private sector or directly appointed by the military — to guard ships sailing through pirate infested oceans.

ICS represents 80 per cent of the world shipping fleet. More than 13,000 trade and industry visitors are expected at the exhibition being held along with the conference by the Reed Exhibition Group.

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