Indian Navy Rescues 20 Iranian Crew from Somali Pirates in 48-Hour Operation

Indian Navy rescues 20 Iranian crew members from hijacked fishing vessel Azini off Somalia after a 48-hour operation with IAF support.

By News National Editorial Team

NEW DELHI, November 3, 2026: The Indian Navy has successfully rescued all 20 Iranian crew members from a hijacked fishing vessel off the northeastern coast of Somalia following a complex maritime security operation lasting more than 48 hours.

The vessel, identified as Azini, had been hijacked by armed Somali pirates on October 29, raising concerns that it could be used as a base for launching further attacks against commercial shipping in the Arabian Sea and surrounding international waters.

The rescue operation was completed on November 2, approximately 3,000 kilometres from Mumbai, demonstrating India's ability to conduct maritime security missions far beyond its coastline.

Indian Navy Launches Coordinated Rescue Mission

Following information about the hijacking, the Indian Navy deployed a mission-ready warship supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft to locate and intercept the vessel.

Naval surveillance teams tracked the fishing boat's movements and used coordinated measures to restrict its movement and prevent it from escaping.

The operation involved close coordination between naval personnel, surveillance aircraft and specialist marine commandos.

In a significant part of the mission, Indian Marine Commandos were deployed through a precision airdrop from an Indian Air Force C-17 transport aircraft.

The commandos subsequently carried out a tactical intervention, secured the hijacked vessel and neutralised the pirate threat, ensuring the safe release of all 20 crew members.

According to the Indian Navy, the operation was completed without casualties or injuries among the rescued crew.

Pirates' Plan to Use Fishing Vessel as a Mother Ship Foiled

The hijacking represented a serious maritime security concern because the pirates could potentially have converted the fishing vessel into a so-called mother ship.

Such vessels can be used as operational bases to support attacks on larger merchant ships operating along important international shipping routes.

By securing the Azini and rescuing its crew, Indian forces prevented the vessel from potentially being used to support further pirate activities in the region.

The operation also highlighted the importance of continuous maritime surveillance and rapid coordination between naval and air forces.

Iran Thanks India for Successful Rescue

The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi expressed its appreciation to the Government of India, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force for rescuing the 20 Iranian nationals.

The embassy praised the professionalism and coordination demonstrated by Indian armed forces and described the mission as an example of humanitarian assistance, international solidarity and cooperation between India and Iran.

The response highlighted the humanitarian importance of protecting civilian sailors and fishermen from maritime criminal activities, regardless of their nationality.

Somali Piracy Raises Maritime Security Concerns

The incident comes amid renewed concerns about piracy off the Somali coast and across the western Indian Ocean.

Somali piracy has previously threatened international commercial shipping, particularly vessels travelling through important maritime corridors connecting Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

The region remains strategically important because of its proximity to major international shipping routes, including those connecting the Arabian Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

The resurgence of piracy has increased the importance of international naval cooperation, maritime surveillance and coordinated responses to threats against commercial vessels.

India's Maritime Security Role

The successful rescue operation demonstrates the Indian Navy's ability to coordinate complex maritime missions involving warships, aircraft and specialist forces.

India has regularly deployed naval assets to protect commercial shipping, support maritime security and respond to emergencies in the Indian Ocean Region.

The rescue of the Azini crew also reinforces India's stated commitment to protecting seafarers and maintaining safe international maritime routes.

Saving all 20 crew members from a hijacked vessel thousands of kilometres from Mumbai marks a significant humanitarian and maritime security operation by Indian forces.

Sources for publication:

• The Indian Express – Rescue operation details

• LiveMint – Iran's response and operation

• Associated Press – Independent reporting

• PTI – Rescue operation report