Indian Navy rescues 20 crew members from pirates’ captivity in Arabian Sea; rescue operation lasts 48 hours: Rajnath Singh

November 3, 2026

New Delhi: The Indian Navy has safely rescued all 20 crew members of the fishing vessel “Azini” that was held captive by pirates in the Arabian Sea. The operation lasted for approximately 48 hours in the Arabian Sea, more than 3,000 kilometers from Mumbai. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced the successful operation on Tuesday.

The rescue operation was successfully completed on November 2. The Indian Navy located and intercepted the vessel and safely rescued all crew members from the clutches of heavily armed pirates.

Rajnath Singh commends the Navy’s operation

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Navy for this successful operation. He said that this operation demonstrates the Navy’s high level of operational preparedness and its ability to respond decisively to threats in the maritime domain.

Posting on the social media platform X, Rajnath Singh wrote, “I congratulate the Indian Navy for successfully carrying out a 48-hour, well-coordinated operation to rescue all 20 crew members of the fishing vessel Ajini, which was captured by pirates, in the Arabian Sea, more than 3,000 kilometers from Mumbai, on November 2, 2026.”

He further said that the timely detection, interception, and safe rescue of the vessel and crew from heavily armed pirates demonstrates the Indian Navy’s preparedness. The Indian Air Force also provided timely support in this operation.

Indian Air Force also provided support

Rajnath Singh praised all the soldiers and officers involved in the operation, saying that Indian security personnel have once again proven the nation’s capability and determination.

He said that our brave soldiers have once again demonstrated India’s commitment to saving lives, maintaining maritime security, and ensuring stability in the Indian Ocean region.

India Committed to Security in the Indian Ocean Region

The Defense Minister reiterated that India will continue to make continuous efforts to ensure maritime security. He stated that India remains committed to maintaining safe sea lanes and a free, open, and secure Indian Ocean region.

This operation also demonstrates the excellent coordination between the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. Significantly, this operation took place more than 3,000 kilometers from India’s coastline, where the Navy demonstrated its maritime security readiness by safely rescuing all 20 people.