The Indian Navy has successfully rescued the fishing vessel AzinI after it was hijacked by armed pirates off the coast of Somalia, demonstrating its commitment to maritime security and the safety of seafarers in the Indian Ocean Region. The operation highlights the Indian Navy’s continued vigilance and operational preparedness in responding to maritime security threats, particularly piracy and armed robbery at sea.
The Navy’s swift response was aimed at ensuring the safety of the vessel and its crew while preventing further escalation of the situation. Such operations form an important part of India’s efforts to maintain safe and secure maritime trade routes and protect commercial and fishing vessels operating in the region.
The operation was conducted over more than 48 hours and culminated on November 2, 2026, with the safe rescue of all 20 crew members, without any casualties or injuries.
The fishing vessel had been hijacked by an armed pirate group off the north-eastern coast of Somalia in October. The hijacking posed a serious maritime security concern, as the pirates could potentially use the vessel as a ‘mother ship’ to launch further attacks against merchant ships operating in the region.
To respond to the threat, the Indian Navy deployed a mission-ready warship, supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Through persistent surveillance, the naval platforms successfully located and tracked the hijacked vessel. Calibrated non-kinetic measures were employed to restrict its movement and prevent its escape.