NEW DELHI: In a major demonstration of India’s maritime capabilities, the Indian Navy has successfully rescued all 20 Iranian crew members of the hijacked fishing vessel ‘Azini’ from armed Somali pirates following a high-stakes, 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea, more than 3,000 kilometres from Mumbai.
The operation, completed on November 2, involved close coordination between the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force (IAF), with a C-17 transport aircraft deployed to air-drop Marine Commandos for the final intervention. All 20 crew members were rescued safely, with no casualties or injuries, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.
The Iranian fishing vessel was hijacked by armed pirates on October 29 off Somalia’s north-eastern coast, between Bandar Bayla and Hafun. The seizure had raised serious security concerns, with intelligence suggesting that the pirates could use the vessel as a ‘mother ship’ to launch further attacks against commercial shipping in the region.
Responding to the threat, the Indian Navy deployed a mission-ready warship along with maritime reconnaissance aircraft to locate and intercept the hijacked vessel. Through sustained aerial surveillance and coordinated tracking, naval forces established its position and monitored its movements before employing calibrated non-kinetic measures to restrict its movement and prevent its escape.
As the operation entered its decisive phase, the IAF deployed a C-17 transport aircraft to carry out a precision airdrop, providing additional support for the deployment of Marine Commandos. The commandos subsequently secured the vessel, neutralised the piracy threat and ensured the safe release of all 20 Iranian nationals.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Navy and Air Force for successfully carrying out the operation, describing it as a meticulously coordinated mission that demonstrated India’s ability to respond decisively to maritime threats and safeguard lives across the Indian Ocean Region.
The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi also expressed its sincere appreciation to the Government of India, the Indian Navy and the IAF for rescuing its nationals. It commended the professionalism, courage and coordination displayed by the Indian armed forces, describing the mission as a reflection of India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and saving lives beyond its borders.
The embassy further termed the rescue an example of the friendship, solidarity and cooperation between India and Iran.
The Indian Navy said the successful operation highlighted its preparedness to undertake complex maritime security missions through effective coordination among the armed services. It also reaffirmed India’s position as a first responder and preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
The operation comes amid renewed concerns over piracy off the Somali coast, where armed groups continue to pose threats to fishing vessels and commercial shipping routes. The Navy reiterated its commitment to protecting seafarers, safeguarding vital maritime trade routes and maintaining security and stability across the region.
