The Indian Navy rescued all 20 crew members of the hijacked fishing vessel Azini in an operation lasting more than 48 hours off the coast of Somalia, with no casualties or injuries, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on Tuesday.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Navy, saying the operation was completed on November 2, more than 3,000 km from Mumbai in the Arabian Sea, with timely support from the Indian Air Force.
In a post on X, Singh said the swift location and interception of the vessel and the safe release of its crew from heavily armed pirates demonstrated the Navy’s operational readiness and ability to respond decisively to maritime threats.
“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 said.
Singh reiterated India’s commitment to safe seas and a free, open and secure Indian Ocean Region. The ministry said the Navy remained committed to safeguarding seafarers, protecting maritime trade routes and maintaining regional maritime security.
The vessel had reportedly been hijacked by armed pirates last month off Somalia’s north-eastern coast. There were concerns that it could be used as a “mother ship” to launch further attacks on merchant vessels in the region.
The Navy deployed a warship supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft to locate and intercept the vessel. Following persistent surveillance, the platforms tracked its movements and used calibrated non-kinetic measures to restrict its movement and prevent its escape.
Additional Marine Commandos were deployed through a precision airdrop by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft.
Naval personnel subsequently secured the vessel, overcame the pirate threat and freed all crew members.
The MoD said the successful operation is testament to the Indian Navy’s high operational preparedness and ability to undertake complex maritime security operations through seamless inter-service coordination. It also underscores India’s unwavering commitment to remaining First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
“The Indian Navy stands committed to safeguarding seafarers, protecting vital maritime trade routes and ensuring a safe, secure and stable maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region,” the Ministry added.
(PIB)
