New Delhi : The Indian Navy has successfully liberated a hijacked fishing vessel, Azini, from armed pirates off the north-eastern coast of Somalia, rescuing all 20 crew members without any casualties or injuries.

The operation, which lasted over 48 hours, was carried out through coordinated efforts involving an Indian Navy warship and a maritime reconnaissance aircraft, demonstrating India’s continued commitment to maritime security in the region.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the fishing vessel had been hijacked by an armed pirate group earlier last month. The hijacking posed a significant threat to maritime security, as the vessel could potentially have been used as a ‘mother ship’ to launch further pirate attacks against merchant vessels operating in the region.

Following the incident, the Indian Navy deployed a mission-ready warship, supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft, to locate and secure the vessel. After sustained surveillance, the Navy successfully tracked the vessel’s movements and implemented calibrated non-kinetic measures to restrict its movement and prevent its escape.

The coordinated operation ultimately resulted in the safe release of all 20 crew members, with no reports of casualties or injuries.

The successful mission highlights the Indian Navy’s operational preparedness and its capability to undertake complex maritime security operations through effective coordination and sustained surveillance.

India has consistently contributed to safeguarding international maritime routes and ensuring the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers in strategically important waters.

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