Hands raised, 20 Iranian sailors: Video captures Navy's rescue from Somali pirates

A video has surfaced showing the Indian Navy rescuing 20 Iranian sailors from the hijacked fishing vessel Azini after a 48-hour operation against Somali pirates. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Navy's operational readiness, while the Iranian Embassy thanked India for the successful rescue.The Indian Navy raises the Indian flag as the freed Iranian sailors raise the Iranian flag following the successful operation.New Delhi,Nov 3, 2026 16:44 ISTA video showing the Indian Navy's rescue of all 20 Iranian crew members of the hijacked fishing vessel Azini from armed Somali pirates has surfaced. The footage, captured after a swift and well-coordinated operation spanning more than 48 hours, shows the Iranian sailors gathered on the upper deck of the wooden vessel, with their hands raised above their heads.The operation, which culminated on November 2, was carried out more than 3,000 km from Mumbai in the Arabian Sea. No casualties or injuries were reported.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Navy for successfully executing the operation, praising its meticulous coordination and operational readiness.He said the swift localisation, interception and safe release of the crew and vessel, with timely support from the Indian Air Force (IAF), demonstrated India's ability to respond decisively to maritime threats across the region. The fishing vessel Azini had reportedly been hijacked by an armed pirate group earlier last month off the northeastern coast of Somalia. The hijacking posed a significant maritime security threat, with the possibility of the vessel being used as a 'mother ship' to launch further pirate attacks against merchant shipping in the region.INDIAN NAVY DEPLOYS WARSHIP, MARINE COMMANDOS TO RESCUE CREWResponding to the situation, the Indian Navy tasked a mission-deployed warship to intervene, supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Working in close coordination, the platforms located the vessel after persistent surveillance, tracked its movements and employed calibrated non-kinetic measures to contain its movement and prevent its escape. Marine Commandos were augmented through a precision airdrop by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft.Executing a swift and well-coordinated tactical intervention, the Indian Navy secured the vessel, overcame the pirate threat and ensured the safe release of all 20 crew members.RAJNATH SINGH PRAISES NAVY'S OPERATIONAL READINESSCongratulating the Navy, Rajnath Singh said the successful operation demonstrated India's ability, intent and resolve to safeguard lives, uphold maritime security and ensure stability across the Indian Ocean Region.He also highlighted the timely support provided by the Indian Air Force, saying the coordinated response reflected the Navy's high operational readiness and its ability to respond decisively to maritime threats across the region."Our brave personnel have once again demonstrated India's ability, intent and resolve to safeguard lives, uphold maritime security and ensure stability across the Indian Ocean Region," he said.The successful operation is a testament to the Indian Navy's preparedness and its ability to undertake complex maritime security missions through seamless inter-service coordination.It also underscores India's commitment to remaining the First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region. The Navy reiterated its commitment to safeguarding seafarers, protecting vital maritime trade routes and ensuring a safe, secure and stable maritime environment.Rajnath Singh said India remained resolute in ensuring safe seas and a free, open and secure Indian Ocean Region.IRANIAN EMBASSY THANKS INDIA FOR RESCUING 20 CREW MEMBERSThe successful rescue also drew appreciation from the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi, which thanked the Indian government, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force for the operation that secured the release of all 20 Iranian crew members.In a statement, the embassy commended the professionalism, courage and effective coordination demonstrated by the Indian Armed Forces, saying the operation reflected India's commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and its role in saving lives beyond borders.- EndsInputs from Shivani Sharma