In Pictures: Indian Navy conducts hostage rescue mock drill in Visakhapatnam

In Pictures: Indian Navy conducts hostage rescue mock drill in Visakhapatnam

Indian Navy on Wednesday conducted a hostage rescue drill in Visakhapatnam. The exercise was held at a hotel to provide response in case of any emergency situation. The drill lasted for about four hours. The naval helicopter slithered down a team of Special Forces (MARCOS) from rooftop of the Hotel. Various other evacuation drills were also carried out. “Seaking 42C & special forces (MARCOS) conduct a hostage rescue mock drill at a hotel in Visakhapatnam (sic),” Indian Navy tweeted.

In Pictures: Indian Navy conducts hostage rescue mock drill in Visakhapatnam

The Indian Navy traces its origins back to the East India Company's Marine which was founded in 1612 to protect British merchant shipping in the region.

In Pictures: Indian Navy conducts hostage rescue mock drill in Visakhapatnam

The Indian Navy has played an important role in maintaining peace for India on the maritime front, in spite of the state of foment in its neighbourhood.

In Pictures: Indian Navy conducts hostage rescue mock drill in Visakhapatnam

The Indian Navy was a part of the joint forces exercises, Operation Parakram, during the 2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff. More than a dozen warships were deployed to the northern Arabian Sea.

In Pictures: Indian Navy conducts hostage rescue mock drill in Visakhapatnam

The navy plays an important role in providing humanitarian relief in times of natural disasters, including floods, cyclones and tsunamis.