Iran Hails Indian Forces After Navy And Air Force Rescue 20 Iranian Sailors From Pirates

Iran has thanked India after the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force rescued all 20 Iranian crew members of a fishing vessel hijacked by armed pirates in the Arabian Sea. Tehran praised the Indian armed forces for their professionalism and coordination during the 48-hour operation.

The rescue operation involving the fishing vessel Azini was carried out on November 2, more than 3,000 km from Mumbai, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said. The Indian Navy located and intercepted the vessel before securing the safe release of all 20 crew members from heavily armed pirates, with support from the Indian Air Force.

Iran’s Embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday expressed its gratitude to the Government of India, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force for successfully rescuing the sailors.

In a post on X, the embassy commended the courage, professionalism and effective coordination displayed by the Indian Armed Forces. It said the operation reflected India's commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and its role in saving lives beyond national borders.

Describing the rescue as a reflection of the “spirit of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Iran and India”, the embassy thanked all those involved in ensuring the crew's safe return.

Singh also congratulated the Navy personnel involved in the mission, saying the operation demonstrated the force's high operational readiness and ability to respond decisively to maritime threats across the region.

He said the personnel had once again demonstrated India's ability, intent and resolve to safeguard lives and uphold maritime security across the Indian Ocean Region.

Reiterating India's commitment to regional maritime security, the defence minister said the country would continue working towards ensuring safe seas and a free, open and secure Indian Ocean Region.