The Indian government stated that its navy rescued 20 crew members from an Iranian-owned fishing vessel that had been hijacked by Somali pirates on October 29, while it was sailing off the coast of northeastern Somalia.
The *Hindustan Times* reported that the rescue operation for the vessel, *Azini*, lasted 48 hours and took place in the Arabian Sea, approximately 3,000 kilometers from Mumbai, India.
India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, commended his country’s navy, noting that the operation was exceptionally well-coordinated and supported by timely assistance from the Indian Air Force.
In a post on the platform X, Singh stated that the swift location, seizure, and subsequent release of the crew demonstrate the high state of readiness of the Indian Navy and its capability to address threats in the region’s maritime waters.
The report added that the *Azini* was hijacked between the coastal towns of Bandar Bayla and Hafun, located in northeastern Somalia. The minister also stated that Indian forces have once again demonstrated their country’s capability and resolve regarding the saving of lives, the maintenance of maritime security, and overall stability in the Indian Ocean.
India has long conducted anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden; according to the minister, at least one Indian warship has been continuously carrying out security patrols in the area since October 23, 2008.