MUMBAI — The Indian Navy rescued all 20 crew members of the fishing vessel Azini from armed pirates in a 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday.
The vessel, located more than 3,000km from Mumbai, was seized by pirates before the Navy, with support from the Indian Air Force, executed the meticulously coordinated operation to secure the safe release of the crew and vessel.
A photograph shared by Singh on X shows the destroyer INS Kolkata standing by as heavily armed commandos guard what appear to be the pirates, seated on the deck of the fishing vessel. A huge cache of seized weapons was also seen lying on the vessel.
"The swift localisation, interception and safe release of the crew and vessel from significantly-armed pirates, with timely support from the IAF, speak well of the Indian Navy's high operational readiness and ability to respond decisively to maritime threats across the region," Singh said.
Monday's operation was launched much further than the Navy's landmark anti-piracy mission of March 2024. The same destroyer had then intercepted the pirate ship MV Ruen around 2,600km from the Indian coast.
"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," Singh said. "India continues to stand resolute in ensuring SAFE SEAS and a free, open and secure IOR,"
The Indian Navy has deployed over 10 warships for anti-piracy and regional security operations like Operation Sankalp to patrol the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the East Coast of Africa. Since 2008, Indian Navy units have been deployed in the Gulf of Aden and East Coast of Africa towards anti-piracy patrols.
The operation underscores the persistent threat of piracy in the region and the Indian Navy's sustained commitment to protecting maritime traffic and crew welfare across the Indian Ocean Region.
