NEW DELHI

The Indian navy on Thursday said it "swiftly" responded to a maritime incident in the Gulf of Aden and rescued 21 people.

According to an official statement by the navy, Barbados-flagged Bulk Carrier MV True Confidence was reportedly “hit by a drone/missile” in the south-west of Aden on Wednesday, resulting in fire onboard and critical injuries to some of the crew members forcing the crew to abandon the ship.

“INS (Indian Navy Ship) Kolkata, deployed for maritime security operations arrived at the scene of action and rescued 21 crew members, including one Indian national, from the life raft using its integral helicopter and boats,” the navy said, adding that critical medical aid was provided to the injured crew by the ship’s medical team.

It said the crew were subsequently evacuated to the East African country of Djibouti.

Amid attacks in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, India has deployed its warships as a "force deterrent" in the region.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have significantly stepped up their involvement in the current conflict in the Gaza Strip by targeting vessels in the southern Red Sea.

​​​The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.