Indian Navy rescues 20 Iranian crew members of fishing vessel Azini hijacked by Somali pirates after 48-hour operation
India’s Navy rescued 20 Iranian crew members from the hijacked fishing vessel Azini off Somalia, using surveillance and a coordinated tactical operation supported by the Air Force. Iran praised the rescue, which comes amid a sharp rise in Somali pirate attacks in 2026.
The Indian Navy successfully rescued 20 Iranian crew members from the hijacked fishing vessel Azini off the coast of Somalia after a 48-hour operation. The Iranian Embassy in India expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force for their swift operation. The fishing vessel Azini was hijacked by Somali pirates in early 2026.
The Indian Navy deployed a warship and a maritime reconnaissance aircraft to track the hijacked vessel. Marine commandos were dropped by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft to secure the vessel and ensure the safe release of all crew members. The successful operation demonstrated the high operational preparedness and inter-service coordination of the Indian Navy in protecting maritime trade routes and seafarers in the Indian Ocean Region.
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