Indian Navy Rescues 20 Crew Members from Hijacked Iranian Vessel in 48-Hour Operation



New Delhi, November 3, 2026: The Indian Navy successfully rescued all 20 crew members of the Iranian fishing vessel *Azini* following a coordinated 48-hour counter-piracy operation in the Arabian Sea. The mission was conducted more than 3,000 kilometres from Mumbai after the vessel was hijacked by armed Somali pirates off the northeastern coast of Somalia.

The operation was completed on November 2, with support from the Indian Air Force (IAF). According to the Ministry of Defence, all 20 crew members were safely rescued, and no casualties or injuries were reported.



Iranian Fishing Vessel Azini Hijacked by Somali Pirates

The fishing vessel Azini was reportedly hijacked by an armed pirate group on October 29 near the northeastern coast of Somalia, between the coastal towns of Bandar Bayla and Hafun.

The incident raised concerns about maritime security in the region. According to the Indian Navy, the pirates could potentially have used the vessel as a "mother ship" to launch further attacks against merchant ships operating along important shipping routes.

Following reports of the hijacking, the Indian Navy deployed a warship to locate and intercept the vessel.







Indian Navy Conducts 48-Hour Rescue Operation

The rescue mission involved coordinated efforts by an Indian Navy warship and a maritime reconnaissance aircraft. The platforms conducted surveillance, tracked the hijacked vessel and took measures to restrict its movement.

Marine Commandos, also known as MARCOS, were deployed as part of the operation. The commandos received support through a precision airdrop conducted by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft.

The coordinated intervention enabled the Navy to secure the vessel, overcome the pirate threat and safely release all 20 crew members.

The operation demonstrated coordination between the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force during a complex maritime security mission far from India's coastline.



Rajnath Singh Praises Indian Navy and Air Force

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Navy for successfully completing the operation.

In a post on social media platform X on November 2, Singh praised the Navy's planning, coordination and ability to respond to maritime threats over long distances. He also acknowledged the timely support provided by the Indian Air Force.

The Defence Minister said the successful rescue demonstrated India's commitment to protecting lives, maintaining maritime security and ensuring stability across the Indian Ocean Region.

He also reiterated India's commitment to maintaining safe, open and secure maritime routes.



Why the Rescue Operation Was Important

The hijacking of Azini was not only a threat to its 20 crew members but also raised concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the Arabian Sea and surrounding waters.

Pirate groups can potentially use hijacked fishing vessels as platforms to approach merchant ships and conduct further attacks. Preventing such vessels from being used for additional piracy activities is therefore an important part of regional maritime security.

The operation also highlighted the importance of international maritime cooperation and India's ability to respond to security incidents beyond its immediate coastal waters.



India's Continued Anti-Piracy Operations in the Indian Ocean

The Indian Navy has maintained an active presence in key maritime areas, including the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, to protect shipping routes and respond to piracy-related threats.

Since 2008, the Navy has conducted anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden, supporting the safety of merchant vessels and the wider maritime community.

Operations involving the rescue of foreign crew members also reflect India's role in responding to maritime emergencies across the Indian Ocean Region.



Conclusion

The successful rescue of all 20 crew members from the hijacked Iranian fishing vessel *Azini* marks another significant counter-piracy operation by the Indian Navy. Completed over 48 hours and more than 3,000 kilometres from Mumbai, the mission involved close coordination between the Navy and the Indian Air Force.

With all crew members rescued safely and no casualties reported, the operation highlights the importance of maritime surveillance, coordinated response capabilities and continued efforts to protect vital shipping routes in the Indian Ocean.



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