Indian Navy has rescued all 20 crew members of Iranian fishing vessel Azini after a tough 48 hours anti-piracy operation in Arabian Sea on November 2, 2026. The operation (completed on Nov 2, 2026) was jointly undertaken by Indian Navy and Indian Air Force to free the ship from heavily armed Somali pirates.
The successful mission averted a maritime security risk and showed India’s growing operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.
Fishing Vessel Azini Hijacked Off Somalia
On 29 October 2026, armed Somali pirates hijacked the fishing vessel Azini off the northeastern coast of Somalia. Maritime security agencies were concerned because of its location and potential use in further piracy operations.
Maritime security reports say that pirates may have turned the hijacked fishing vessel into a ‘mother ship’. These vessels are used as floating bases to attack merchant ships operating in international shipping lanes.
The hijacking thus raised a serious problem for commercial shipping and maritime security in the region.
Indian Navy Launches 48-Hour Rescue Operation
Indian Navy sent a mission ready warship to find and intercept the hijacked vessel. A maritime reconnaissance aircraft was also used for aerial surveillance and tracking information.
The Navy kept watch on the vessel and followed its movements across the Arabian Sea. Special measures were taken to restrict the movement of the vessel so that the pirates could not escape.
The surveillance and interception strategy coordinated Indian forces to control the developing situation as they prepared for a safe rescue operation.
Marine Commandos Receive IAF Support
The operation was also aided by the Indian Air Force. An IAF C-17 aircraft dropped precision airdrops to reinforce Marines Commandos on the mission.
The additional support strengthened the Navy’s tactical capabilities and prepared forces for the final intervention.
Marine Commandos then went to secure the fishing vessel and eliminate the armed pirates. The coordinated action recovered Azini and released all 20 crew members safely.
All 20 Crew Members Rescued Safely
After 48 hours of fighting the pirates off on November 2 all 20 crew were rescued. There were no casualties or injuries listed in the operational account provided.
The successful rescue also prevented the hijacked ship from potentially becoming a launching pad for further attacks on merchant shipping.
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. 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. 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. India continues to stand resolute in ensuring SAFE SEAS and a free, open and secure Indian Ocean Region. #IndianNavy #IndianAirForce #SafeSeas
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 2, 2026
Rajnath Singh Praises Indian Navy
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated Indian Navy on completion of the operation in a post on X on November 2. In his post he said coordination was important and Indian Air Force supported it well.
He also said India was committed to protecting lives; maritime security and stability across Indian Ocean Region.
The operation demonstrates the need for cooperation between India’s armed forces to tackle maritime threats. It also reaffirms the Indian Navy’s role in protecting international shipping routes and ensuring the safety of seafarers, regardless of nationality.
With the rescue of Azini and her crew India has once again shown that it is ready to respond to piracy threats even outside its territorial waters.
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