United Nations, Oct 25 (IANS): At India's initiative, the UN Security Council has for the first time adopted a resolution seeking prosecution not only for acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia but also for hostage taking.

India, which has been taking the lead in addressing the problems of piracy as well as hostage taking, along with 10 other members, co-sponsored the resolution. India was represented at the Security Council meeting for adoption of the resolution by Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed.

The resolution 2015 recognizes the increasing scope of piracy beyond the coast of Somalia, which affects not only the states in the region but also those far beyond.

The resolution calls for international cooperation in sharing information for the purpose of law enforcement and for effective prosecution. It also urges States and international organizations to share evidence in this regard.

India, actively supported by other partners, incorporated in the resolution provisions dealing with persons who intentionally facilitate piracy operations, including key figures of criminal networks involved in piracy.

The resolution also calls for prosecution of those who illicitly plan, organize, facilitate, or finance and profit from such attacks.

Earlier this year, the Security Council adopted Resolution 1976 which, for the first time, addressed the problem of hostage taking and called upon States to cooperate on this serious problem in the overall context of counter-piracy efforts.

It is India's expectation that Resolution 2015 (2011) , along with Resolution 1976 and other relevant resolutions, will further strengthen the international legal framework for the fight against the menace of piracy and hostage taking, the Permanent Mission of India said in a statement.