The Indian Navy rescued all 20 crew members of the Iranian fishing vessel Azini on November 2, 2026, during a coordinated 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea. Pirates had hijacked the vessel off Somalia’s north-eastern coast earlier in October.
Rescue operation
A mission-deployed Indian Navy warship and a maritime reconnaissance aircraft located and intercepted Azini, more than 3,000 km from Mumbai. Marine Commandos carried out the intervention, supported by a precision airdrop from an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft. All 20 crew members were liberated, with no casualties or injuries reported. The vessel was considered a maritime security threat because pirates could use it as a “mother ship” to attack commercial shipping.
Defence Minister’s response
On November 3, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Navy and described the operation as evidence of India’s operational readiness and commitment to maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
Important Facts for Exams
- Cross-domain commandos: MARCOS can operate at sea, in the air and on land, giving the naval special force cross-domain reach for maritime interventions.
- Hostage-rescue remit: Hostage rescue is among MARCOS’ listed duties, a specific operational role relevant to freeing crew from a hijacked vessel.
- Gulf of Aden deployment: The Indian Navy has kept at least one frontline warship continuously deployed in the Gulf of Aden since October 2008, maintaining an enduring regional presence.
