India
India Secures Release of 20 Iranian Crew from Somali Pirates
By Rahul Singh, Rezaul H Laskar
The Indian Navy rescued all 20 crew members of the Iranian fishing vessel Azini, which had been hijacked by Somali pirates on October 29. The operation took place about 3,000 km from Mumbai in the Arabian Sea, between the Somali towns of Bandar Bayla and Hafun. No casualties or injuries were reported. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the mission as “meticulously coordinated.” The Iranian embassy in New Delhi issued a statement of “sincere gratitude” to the Indian government, Navy and Air Force, praising the professionalism, courage and effective coordination of the Indian Armed Forces. The embassy noted the operation as a testament to friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Iran and India and highlighted India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The Indian Navy deployed a mission‑deployed warship and a maritime reconnaissance aircraft to locate and track Azini after persistent surveillance. Calibrated non‑kinetic measures were used to contain the vessel and prevent escape. Marine commandos were supported by a precision airdrop from a C‑17 aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Photos released by the defence ministry showed INS Kolkata, a stealth destroyer, involved in the operation.
The navy said the operation demonstrated high operational preparedness and the ability to conduct complex maritime security operations through seamless inter‑service coordination, underscoring India’s role as a first responder and preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean. Defence Minister Singh praised the swift localisation, interception and safe release of the crew and vessel from armed pirates, noting the timely support from the Indian Air Force.
India has maintained at least one warship on round‑the‑clock anti‑piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since 23 October 2008 to protect Indian sea‑borne trade, instill confidence among seafarers and deter piracy. The operation occurred amid ongoing concerns about the resurgence of Somali piracy in the Gulf of Aden and parts of the western Indian Ocean, where commercial vessels remain vulnerable to attack.
Frequently asked questions
How many crew members were rescued from the Iranian fishing vessel Azini?
All 20 crew members were rescued.
Where did the rescue operation take place?
The operation occurred about 3,000 km from Mumbai in the Arabian Sea, between the Somali towns of Bandar Bayla and Hafun.
What Indian military assets were involved in the rescue?
The Indian Navy deployed a warship and a maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and marine commandos were supported by a precision airdrop from a C‑17 aircraft of the Indian Air Force; INS Kolkata, a stealth destroyer, was involved.