PM Modi assured India's commitment to safeguarding navigation freedom and fighting piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region. The Bulgarian President expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy for rescuing the hijacked Bulgarian ship, MV Ruen.

PM Modi appreciated President Radev's message and conveyed India's satisfaction that the Bulgarian nationals were safe and would soon return home. The ship, "Rouen," with Bulgarians, Myanmarese, and an Angolan citizen, was seized by pirates in the Arabian Sea in December last year.

President Radev thanked PM Modi for the Navy's brave action in rescuing the ship and its crew. Bulgaria's Foreign Minister, Mariya Gabriel, also appreciated the Indian Navy's operation and thanked the Indian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Sanjay Rana, for rescuing Bulgarian nationals.

In December last year, pirates captured the ship "Rouen" in the Arabian Sea. The ship had eight Bulgarians, nine Myanmar, and one Angolan citizen onboard. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working closely with all relevant institutions, Bulgaria's overseas representatives in the region, and international partners to secure the release of the Bulgarian crew.

On March 16, there was a discussion at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Ambassador Sanjay Rana, the Indian ambassador in Sofia. During the meeting, an additional request was made to the Indian side to provide assistance and take necessary actions to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew.