Navy rescues 20 crew members of fishing vessel from pirates over 3,000 km from Mumbai

NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy has rescued all 20 crew members of a fishing vessel from armed pirates after a 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea. The vessel, Azini, was reportedly seized by the armed pirates more than 3,000 km from Mumbai.Defence minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Navy for executing the meticulously coordinated 48-hour operation with support from the Indian Air Force. “The swift localisation, interception and safe release of the crew and vessel from significantly-armed pirates, with timely support from the IAF, speak well of the Indian Navy’s high operational readiness and ability to respond decisively to maritime threats across the region,” Rajnath said.A photograph shared by the minister on his post on X shows destroyer INS Kolkata standing by as heavily armed commandos guard what appear to be the pirates, seated on the deck of the fishing vessel.