In recent past, the Indian Navy has deployed its fleet ships to patrol near the Gulf of Aden to

The Indian Navy's deployment of fleet ships to the Gulf of Aden is primarily driven by the need to combat maritime piracy, which has significantly impacted the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) over the last two decades [2]. The Gulf of Aden, situated near Somalia, is a critical maritime corridor that has historically seen a high frequency of pirate attacks [1]. Recent official reports confirm that the Indian Navy has deployed multiple warships, such as INS Visakhapatnam and INS Sumitra, specifically for anti-piracy and anti-drone operations in this region [4]. These missions involve responding to distress calls from hijacked vessels and ensuring the safety of international trade routes. While India seeks to be a 'net security provider' and maintain regional stability, the specific operational focus in the Gulf of Aden remains the suppression of piracy and maritime security threats.

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Fig. 16.16 Pirate Attacks in Indian Ocean > p. 80
2. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Issue of Piracy > p. 78
3. [4] https://indiannavy.gov.in/node/38424