Indian Navy Rescues 20 Crew Members from Somali Pirates in Arabian Sea

New Delhi, November 03, 2026 The Indian Navy has successfully rescued all 20 crew members of an Iranian fishing vessel hijacked by Somali pirates, concluding a 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea. The mission, carried out nearly 3,000 km from Mumbai, involved coordinated efforts by the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, highlighting India's maritime security preparedness and its commitment to protecting vital shipping routes in the Indian Ocean region. According to officials, the Iranian fishing vessel Azini was seized by Somali pirates on October 29. Following the incident, the Navy deployed a mission-assigned warship along with a maritime reconnaissance aircraft to locate and intercept the vessel. After sustained surveillance, the forces tracked its movements and employed calibrated non-kinetic measures to restrict its movement and prevent its escape. The operation also involved the deployment of marine commandos from an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft. The Navy described the hijacking as a significant security concern, as the vessel could potentially have been used as a ‘mother ship’ to launch further pirate attacks against merchant vessels in the region. It said the successful mission demonstrated its operational readiness and ability to conduct complex maritime security operations through effective coordination between the armed forces. The Navy also reiterated India's commitment to remaining a First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Navy for the “meticulously coordinated operation.” In a post on X, he wrote, "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." The safe rescue of all 20 crew members underscores the importance of joint military coordination in tackling piracy and safeguarding maritime security.