The Indian Navy dispatched one of its warships to render "critical repair assistance and medical aid" to a distressed Iranian fishing vessel (FV) in the Arabian Sea, a statement said on Monday.
The Indian Navy said that the fishing vessel FV Ameen, with six Iranian crew, suffered damages due to a collision with a merchant vessel while traversing the Arabian Sea waters east of port of Duqm in Oman.
"This had resulted in hull breach leading to water ingress," the Indian Navy said.
It stated that an Indian warship deployed in the northern part of the Arabian Sea for the purpose of maritime security not only provided damage control assistance to the Iranian boat but also carried out repair to strengthen the hull to make it fit for further sea transit.
"The relentless and persistent efforts of the Indian Navy reaffirm its resolve towards the safety of all vessels and seafarers transiting the region," the Navy stated.
The Indian Navy has deployed at least 10 warships in the Red Sea region in view of growing concerns around maritime security of merchant vessels traversing the waters amid growing tensions between Houthi-led Yemen government and the US, which has deployed a naval flotilla in the region.
Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said last month that Indian naval presence was aimed at countering the "piracy problem" and the "missile drone problem".