New Delhi | INS Kolkata -- Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer -- has thwarted a piracy attempt in the western Indian Ocean with a timely intervention that ensured safety of a merchant vessel, officials said on Wednesday.

The incident took place earlier this week, they said, adding that the Navy remains committed to safeguarding merchant shipping and countering piracy in the region.

"Responding swiftly to inputs of pirate activity near merchant vessel MV Mashallah 1 in the Western Indian Ocean, #INSKolkata undertook prompt action to investigate and deter the threat. This timely intervention ensured safety of the merchant vessel and prevented a possible piracy attack," the Indian Navy posted on X.

"As a #PreferredSecurityPartner and #FirstResponder in the region, #IndianNavy remains committed to safeguarding merchant shipping, countering piracy and ensuring safe and secure seas. #MaritimeSecurity #AnytimeAnywhereAnyhow," it said.

The Indian Navy thwarted this piracy attempt as part of its anti-piracy patrolling being done by the force in the Gulf of Aden since 2008, the officials said.

Integral resources, including onboard helicopters, as well as "boarding operation" were used as part of counter-piracy measures, they added.