Indian Navy rescues 20 crew members from hijacked fishing vessel Azini in Arabian Sea

The Indian Navy rescued all 20 crew members of the hijacked fishing vessel Azini after a 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea, more than 3,000 km from Mumbai. The operation, completed on November 2, involved a mission-deployed warship, a maritime reconnaissance aircraft and Marine Commandos, with support from the Indian Air Force (IAF), ANI reported. No casualties or injuries were reported.

The vessel had reportedly been hijacked by an armed pirate group off the northeastern coast of Somalia earlier last month. The Navy said the hijacked fishing boat could potentially have been used as a mother ship to launch further pirate attacks against merchant vessels in the region, posing a wider maritime security threat.

In response, the Navy deployed a warship to intercept the vessel, supported by an aircraft tasked with maritime reconnaissance. The platforms maintained surveillance, tracked the fishing boat's movements and used calibrated non-kinetic measures to restrict its movement and prevent it from escaping.


The operation was further strengthened by the deployment of Marine Commandos through a precision airdrop carried out by an IAF C-17 aircraft. The commandos and other Navy personnel then secured the vessel, neutralised the pirate threat and ensured the safe release of all 20 crew members.

Rajnath Singh praises Navy and Air Force for Azini rescue operation

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Navy on the successful mission in a post on X. He said the operation involved the swift localisation and interception of the fishing vessel, followed by the safe release of its crew and the boat from heavily armed pirates.

Singh also acknowledged the Indian Air Force's timely support, saying the coordinated effort reflected the Navy's operational preparedness and its ability to respond to maritime security threats across the region.

The Defence Minister said the mission demonstrated India's capacity to safeguard lives at sea and protect maritime interests across the Indian Ocean Region. He also commended the personnel involved in the operation for contributing to maritime security and regional stability.

Reiterating India's commitment to maritime safety, Singh said the country remained determined to ensure safe seas and maintain a free, open and secure Indian Ocean Region.