New Delhi, November 4, 2026: The Indian Navy has successfully rescued all 20 crew members of the hijacked Iranian fishing vessel Azini off the northeastern coast of Somalia. The operation, completed on November 2 and officially announced on November 3, lasted more than 48 hours and involved naval warships, reconnaissance aircraft and Indian Air Force support.
Indian Navy Rescues 20 Crew Members
The fishing vessel Azini was hijacked by armed pirates on October 29 near Somalia’s northeastern coastline.
Following the incident, the Indian Navy launched an operation to locate the vessel and secure the release of its crew.
According to the Ministry of Defence, all 20 crew members were rescued safely, with no casualties or injuries reported among them.
Operation Conducted 3,000 Km From Mumbai
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the rescue operation was conducted more than 3,000 kilometres from Mumbai in the Arabian Sea.
The Indian Navy deployed a warship to track and intercept the hijacked vessel, supported by maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
The operation involved continuous surveillance and coordinated efforts to prevent the pirates from escaping.
IAF C-17 Aircraft Deploys Marine Commandos
A major highlight of the operation was the involvement of the Indian Air Force’s C-17 transport aircraft.
The aircraft carried out a precision airdrop to deploy additional Marine Commandos, also known as MARCOS, in support of the rescue mission.
The commandos subsequently secured the fishing vessel and helped free the crew from the armed pirates.
INS Kolkata Plays Key Role
According to defence reports, the Indian Navy deployed INS Kolkata, a guided-missile destroyer, to respond to the piracy incident.
The warship worked with surveillance platforms to monitor the vessel’s movements and coordinate the rescue.
The operation demonstrated coordination between the Indian Navy’s surface fleet, aviation assets and specialised maritime forces.
Pirates Could Have Used Vessel for Further Attacks
Indian authorities warned that the hijacked fishing vessel could have been used as a mother ship.
Such vessels can serve as floating bases for pirates to launch attacks against commercial ships operating far from the Somali coastline.
Preventing the vessel from being used for further attacks was therefore an important objective of the mission.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Praises Forces
Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force for successfully completing the operation.
He praised the forces’ operational readiness, coordination and ability to respond to maritime threats far from India’s coastline.
The Defence Ministry said the mission reflected India’s commitment to protecting international shipping routes and maintaining maritime security.
Somali Piracy Remains a Security Concern
Piracy in waters near Somalia has remained a concern for international shipping companies and maritime security agencies.
Armed groups have previously targeted fishing vessels and commercial ships operating across the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The latest incident highlights the importance of maintaining naval surveillance and rapid-response capabilities in strategically significant waterways.
India Reinforces Maritime Security Commitment
The successful rescue strengthens India’s role as a maritime security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Indian Navy has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding seafarers, protecting commercial shipping and maintaining stability across important maritime routes.
The operation also highlights the effectiveness of cooperation between the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force during complex rescue missions.
Source: Ministry of Defence, Press Information Bureau, The Indian Express, The Associated Press
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