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Indian Navy rescues all 20 crew of hijacked fishing vessel Azini in Arabian Sea
A 48-hour operation more than 3,000 km from Mumbai ended with every crew member safe and the vessel freed from armed pirates.
The Indian Navy has brought all 20 crew members of the pirated fishing vessel Azini to safety after a 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea, more than 3,000 km from Mumbai. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the rescue, which he said took place on November 2.
Singh said the Navy quickly pinpointed the vessel, intercepted it, and then secured the release of both the crew and the ship from what he described as significantly armed pirates. The Indian Air Force gave timely support during the mission.
For the families of those on board, the news ends an anxious wait. Fishing crews often work far from shore with limited protection, and a hijacking leaves them exposed and out of reach. Getting all 20 people out unharmed is the headline result here.
The distance matters too. Operating over 3,000 km from the Indian coast means ships, aircraft and command teams must coordinate across a vast stretch of open water, and do it fast. Singh pointed to the speed of locating and intercepting the Azini as proof of the Navy's high operational readiness.
In a post on X, the minister said the personnel showed India's ability and resolve to protect lives, uphold maritime security and keep the wider Indian Ocean Region stable. He added that India remains committed to "SAFE SEAS" and a free, open and secure Indian Ocean Region.
For everyday readers, the takeaway is simple: the sea lanes that carry India's trade and the livelihoods of its fishing communities now have a visible show of protection far beyond home waters. Officials have not shared further operational details in the statement.
Source: NewKerala report on the Azini rescue.
