Indian Navy liberates pirated vessel Azini 3,000 km from Mumbai; All 20 crew safe

Indian Navy successfully liberated a fishing vessel, Azini, from armed pirates 3000 km away from Mumbai into Arabian Sea on Monday.

In a swift and well-coordinated operation spanning over 48 hours, the Indian Navy successfully liberated a fishing vessel, Azini, from armed pirates 3000 km away from Mumbai into Arabian Sea on Monday. The operation culminated in the safe rescue of all 20 crew members, with no casualties or injuries, an Indian Navy spokesperson said.

Fishing vessel Azini was reported to have been hijacked by an armed pirate group earlier last month, off the northeastern coast of Somalia. The hijacking represented a significant maritime security threat, with the possibility of the vessel being employed as a ‘mother ship’ for launching further pirate attacks against merchant shipping in the region, spokesperson stated.

Responding to the situation, the Indian Navy tasked a mission-deployed warship to intervene, supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Working in close coordination, these platforms located the vessel after persistent surveillance, tracked it’s movements and employed calibrated non-kinetic measures to contain its movement and prevent its escape, the Navy said.

Marine Commandos were augmented through a precision airdrop by an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 aircraft.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated 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.

“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,” he posted on X.

“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”, he wrote.

Singh also stated that India continues to stand resolute in ensuring SAFE SEAS and a free, open and secure Indian Ocean Region.

The successful operation underscores India’s unwavering commitment to remaining First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

Published on November 3, 2026