The Indian Navy has successfully rescued the Iranian fishing vessel Azini from armed pirates off the northeastern coast of Somalia, securing the safe release of all 20 crew members following a coordinated operation lasting more than 48 hours.

The operation, completed on November 2 in the Arabian Sea, involved a mission-deployed Indian Navy warship, a maritime reconnaissance aircraft and Marine Commandos working together to neutralize the pirate threat. No casualties or injuries were reported among the rescued crew members, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The fishing vessel had been hijacked by an armed pirate group on October 29 off the northeastern coast of Somalia. The incident raised serious maritime security concerns, as authorities feared that the pirates could use the vessel as a floating base, or “mother ship,” to launch further attacks against merchant ships operating in the region.

Following the hijacking, the Indian Navy deployed a warship supported by aerial surveillance to locate and track the vessel. After sustained monitoring, naval forces used calibrated non-kinetic measures to restrict its movement and prevent it from escaping.

In a significant display of coordination between India’s armed forces, Marine Commandos were deployed through a precision airdrop from an Indian Air Force C-17 transport aircraft. The commandos subsequently joined the tactical intervention, enabling naval forces to secure the vessel and overcome the armed pirate threat.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Navy for successfully completing the mission, praising the coordination between the Navy and the Air Force.

The operation highlights India’s growing maritime security capabilities and its commitment to protecting seafarers and vital international shipping routes across the Indian Ocean Region.

The Ministry of Defence reiterated that the Indian Navy remains committed to serving as a first responder and preferred security partner in the region while ensuring safer maritime trade and navigation.

Sources: Ministry of Defence, Government of India; Associated Press.