Indian Navy rescues 20 crew members from hijacked Iranian vessel

The Indian Navy has safely rescued 20 crew members from the Iranian fishing vessel 'Azini' through an operation that lasted 48 hours in the Arabian Sea. This vessel was captured by Somali pirates on 29 October. According to officials, this rescue operation was carried out 3,000 km away from Mumbai.

According to a report by Associated Press, the hijacking of the Azini vessel took place in the maritime areas between the ports of Baala and Hafun in north-eastern Somalia. With timely support received from the Indian Air Force, the Navy safely freed the vessel and crew members from the pirates.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Navy on social media platform X for this success. He stated that the rapid locating of crew members from armed pirates, intercepting them, and safely releasing them demonstrates the Navy's high operational readiness and ability to respond decisively to maritime threats. He further added that India's brave personnel have once again demonstrated India's willpower and resolve to protect lives and maintain maritime security and stability in the Indian Ocean region.

To protect Indian maritime trade and act as a deterrent against pirates, since 23 October, 2008, an Indian warship has been conducting anti-piracy patrolling in the Gulf of Aden continuously twenty-four hours at any time. This helps in increasing confidence in the maritime community.