Kumar Bahukhandi
The Indian Navy rescues crew members of the fishing vessel Azini after it was hijacked off northeastern Somalia. The operation, supported by the Indian Air Force, concluded on Monday, November 2, 2026. Photo: Indian Navy
An Indian Air Force C-17 airdropped Marine Commandos during the operation to secure the Iranian fishing vessel Azini
Key Highlights
- The Indian Navy rescued 20 crew members without injury, according to the Ministry of Defence.
- A warship and a maritime reconnaissance aircraft tracked and intercepted the hijacked vessel.
- The operation lasted more than 48 hours and concluded on November 2, more than 3,000 km from Mumbai.
- Maritime authorities had warned that pirates could use the vessel as a base for further attacks on commercial shipping.
New Delhi: The Indian Navy rescued 20 crew members of the Iranian fishing vessel Azini after armed pirates seized it off northeastern Somalia. The Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday, November 3, that the operation lasted more than 48 hours and ended without casualties or injuries. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the rescue was completed on Monday, more than 3,000 km from Mumbai.
Warship and Aircraft Track Hijacked Vessel
The Azini was reportedly seized on October 29 off Somalia’s northeastern coast, between the coastal towns of Bandar Bayla and Hafun. The Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean later warned that the vessel was approaching a commercial shipping lane and could be used as a ‘mother ship’ from which pirates could launch further attacks.
The Navy deployed a warship and a maritime reconnaissance aircraft to locate the fishing vessel. After tracking its movements, the Navy used what the ministry described as non-kinetic measures to restrict its movement and prevent it from escaping.
IAF Airdrops Marine Commandos
An Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft airdropped additional Marine Commandos in support of the operation. Naval personnel then secured the vessel and freed the crew. The European Union’s naval Operation Atalanta separately confirmed that the Azini had been freed and closed its alert on the hijacking.
Rajnath Singh Praises Rescue Team
Singh congratulated the Navy and credited the Air Force for its timely support. He said locating and intercepting the vessel far from India’s coastline demonstrated the Navy’s readiness to respond to maritime threats across the 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.
