Indian Navy Rescues 20 Crew Members From Hijacked Iranian Fishing Vessel After 48-Hour Operation

Last Updated:November 03, 2026, 07:19 IST

The Indian Navy rescued all 20 crew members of the hijacked Iranian fishing vessel Azini in a 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea, with support from the Indian Air Force.

Image of the hijacked Iranian fishing vessel after the rescue of crew members by the Indian Navy. (Source: X)

The Indian Navy has rescued all 20 crew members of an Iranian fishing vessel that was hijacked by Somali pirates in a 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea, over 3,000 km from Mumbai.

The vessel, identified as Azini, was seized by Somali pirates on October 29 off the northeastern coast of Somalia, between the coastal towns of Bandar Bayla and Hafun. The rescue operation was successfully completed on November 2, officials said.

The operation was led by INS Kolkata, which was supported by a long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft operated by the Indian Navy. Notably, the warship was also in the news in September after a Pakistani vessel collided with it.

Rajnath Singh Congratulates Indian Navy

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Navy for the successful mission, describing it as a “meticulously coordinated operation”. He also acknowledged the Indian Air Force’s support during the operation.

In a post on X, Singh said, “My congratulations to Indian Navy for successfully executing a meticulously coordinated 48-hour operation to rescue all 20 crew members of the pirated fishing vessel, Azini, more than 3000 km from Mumbai in the Arabian Sea, on 02 Nov 26.”

Highlighting the Navy’s operational preparedness, the Defence Minister said the forces had swiftly tracked down and intercepted the vessel before securing the release of the crew and the fishing boat from heavily armed pirates.

“The swift localisation, interception and safe release of the crew and vessel from significantly-armed pirates, with timely support from the Indian Air Force, speak well of the Indian Navy’s high operational readiness and ability to respond decisively to maritime threats across the region,” Singh said.

He further praised the personnel involved in the mission, saying their efforts reaffirmed India’s commitment to protecting lives and maintaining security in the Indian Ocean Region.

“Our brave personnel have once again demonstrated India’s ability, intent and resolve to safeguard lives, uphold maritime security and ensure stability across the Indian Ocean Region,” Singh said.

“India continues to stand resolute in ensuring SAFE SEAS and a free, open and secure Indian Ocean Region,” he added.

With inputs from ANI

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Which warship led the Indian Navy operation to rescue the crew of the hijacked vessel Azini?

The rescue operation was led by the Indian Navy warship INS Kolkata, with support from a long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft and the Indian Air Force.

When and where was the Iranian fishing vessel Azini hijacked by Somali pirates?

The fishing vessel Azini was seized by Somali pirates on October 29, 2026, off the northeastern coast of Somalia between the coastal towns of Bandar Bayla and Hafun.

How many crew members were rescued from the pirated vessel during the 48-hour operation?

All 20 crew members of the Iranian fishing vessel were successfully rescued by the Indian Navy during the 48-hour mission in the Arabian Sea.

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Prisha Vibhavari

Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st…Read More

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