- The Indian Navy successfully rescued the hijacked fishing vessel Azini from armed pirates off the northeastern coast of Somalia in an operation lasting over 48 hours, ensuring the safe release of all 20 crew members without any casualties or injuries.
- The Navy deployed a mission-ready warship supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft to locate and track the hijacked vessel.
- After sustained surveillance, the naval platforms employed calibrated non-kinetic measures to contain the vessel and prevent it from escaping.
- Marine Commandos were inducted through a precision airdrop by an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 aircraft as part of the operation.
- The Navy's commandos carried out a swift tactical intervention, secured the vessel and neutralised the pirate threat, leading to the safe rescue of all 20 crew members.
- The operation demonstrated the Navy’s operational preparedness and its ability to undertake complex maritime security missions through seamless coordination with the Air Force.
- The rescue reinforces India’s commitment to being a ‘First Responder’ and ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region, particularly in safeguarding seafarers and ensuring the security of vital international maritime trade routes.
The Indian Navy executed a successful 48-hour operation to rescue the hijacked fishing vessel Azini off the coast of Somalia, freeing all 20 crew members without casualties. The vessel was taken by armed pirates, suspected of being used as a ‘mother ship’ for further attacks on merchant vessels.15
In response, the Navy deployed a mission-ready warship and a maritime reconnaissance aircraft to locate the vessel. After sustained surveillance, they employed calibrated non-kinetic measures to contain it. Marine Commandos were then inducted through a precision airdrop by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft.234
The Navy's commandos swiftly intervened, neutralizing the pirate threat and securing the vessel. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the operation, stating it demonstrated the Navy's operational readiness and ability to respond to maritime threats. He emphasized that the operation reinforces India’s role as a ‘First Responder’ and ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region.7
Singh noted, “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.” He reiterated India’s commitment to ensuring safe seas and a secure maritime environment in the region.
“The Navy deployed a mission-ready warship and maritime reconnaissance aircraft, then used calibrated non-kinetic measures before Marine Commandos airdropped from an IAF C-17 executed a swift tactical intervention. The rescue underscores India's role as a 'First Responder' and 'Preferred Security Partner' in the Indian Ocean Region.”
