Indian security forces safely rescued the Iranian fishing vessel ‘Azini’ and all its 20 crew members from Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea. The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi has expressed its deep gratitude to the Government of India, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. It also praised the professionalism, courage and excellent coordination of the Indian Armed Forces.
Sharing a post on social media, the Iranian embassy said that Iran expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. He conducted a successful operation to rescue 20 Iranian crew members of fishing vessel ‘Azini’ from pirates.
Iran praised the coordination
The embassy said, ‘We appreciate the professionalism, courage and excellent coordination displayed by the Indian Armed Forces. This reflects India’s strong commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and also shows that India plays an important role in saving lives across our borders. Further, the embassy said, ‘This humanitarian operation is an excellent example of the spirit of friendship, unity and cooperation between Iran and India. We sincerely thank all those who contributed to the safe rescue of the Iranian crew.
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi sincerely appreciates the Government of India, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force for their successful operation to rescue 20 Iranian crew members of the fishing vessel Azini from pirates.
We greatly appreciate the professionalism, courage and effective coordination demonstrated by the Indian Armed Forces, which reflects India’s strong commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and its role in saving lives across borders.
This humanitarian operation stands as a testament to the spirit of friendship, unity and cooperation between Iran and India.
We sincerely thank all those involved in ensuring the safe rescue of the Iranian crew.
— Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) November 3, 2026
Hijacking of the ship ‘Azini’ on 29 October
Somali pirates hijacked the ‘Azini’ ship last month on October 29. After this, the Indian Navy conducted a well-planned operation for about 48 hours in the Arabian Sea, more than 3,000 km from Mumbai. The entire rescue operation was commanded by the Indian Navy warship INS Kolkata.
Indian forces failed
Navy’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) were airdropped into the sea by precision airdrop with the help of Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 aircraft, who carried out the operation. The pirates were planning to use the ship as a ‘mother ship’ (base) to attack other merchant ships, which was thwarted by Indian forces.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated the Indian Navy and Air Force for this successful operation and reiterated India’s resolve to ensure security in the Indian Ocean region. In a post on social media, he said, ‘On 2 November 2026, the Indian Navy carried out a highly planned operation for 48 hours to rescue all 20 crew members of the fishing boat ‘Azini’ which was hijacked by pirates in the Arabian Sea more than 3000 km from Mumbai. Congratulations to the Indian Navy for this successful operation.
2 My congratulations to the #IndianNavy for successfully carrying out a meticulous 48-hour operation to rescue all 20 crew members of the pirated fishing vessel Azini, over 3000 km from Mumbai in the Arabian Sea on November 26.
The rapid localization, interception and safe release of crew and vessels from significantly armed pirates with timely support from the Indian Air Force speaks well of the Indian Navy’s high operational readiness and ability to respond decisively to maritime threats across the region.
Our brave men have once again demonstrated India’s capability, intent and ability to protect lives, maintain maritime security and ensure stability in the entire Indian Ocean region.
India remains committed to ensuring safe seas and a free, open and secure Indian Ocean region.
#IndianNavy #IndianAirForce #SafeSeas
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 2, 2026
“The prompt detection, interception and safe rescue of crew and boats from the clutches of heavily armed pirates, with timely support from the Indian Air Force, reflects the Indian Navy’s high operational readiness and ability to decisively counter threats across the maritime domain,” Singh said.
The Defense Minister said, ‘Our brave soldiers have once again proved that India has the capability, intent and determination to save lives, maintain maritime security and ensure stability in the entire Indian Ocean region. India is fully committed to ensuring ‘safe seas’ and a free, open and secure Indian Ocean region.
