On 3rd November, the Embassy of Iran in India thanked the Indian Navy for rescuing 20 Iranian seafarers aboard a fishing vessel, Azini, from pirates in the Arabian Sea.
Lauding the coordinated effort by the Indian Armed Forces, the Iranian Embassy said on X, ” The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of India, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force for their successful operation to rescue the 20 Iranian crew members of the fishing vessel Azini from pirates.”
The Iranian Embassy expressed appreciation for the Indian Armed Forces’ professionalism and courage. It said, “We highly commend the professionalism, courage and effective coordination demonstrated by the Indian Armed Forces, reflecting India’s strong commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and its role in saving lives beyond borders.”
Iran described India’s sincere efforts to protect Iranian sailors as a “testament to the spirit of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Iran and India. We extend our sincere gratitude to all those involved in ensuring the safe rescue of the Iranian crew.”
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of India, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force for their successful operation to rescue the 20 Iranian crew members of the fishing vessel Azini from pirates. We highly commend the professionalism, courage and effective coordination demonstrated by the Indian Armed Forces, reflecting India’s strong commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and its role in saving lives beyond borders. This humanitarian operation stands as a testament to the spirit of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Iran and India. We extend our sincere gratitude to all those involved in ensuring the safe rescue of the Iranian crew.
— Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) November 3, 2026
On 2nd November, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had also praised the Indian Navy for saving Iranian sailors from a pirate attack.
“My congratulations to #Indian Navy for successfully executing a meticulously coordinated 48-hour operation to rescue all 20 crew members of the pirated fishing vessel, Azini, more than 3000 km from Mumbai in the Arabian Sea, on 02 Nov 26. The swift localisation, interception and safe release of the crew and vessel from significantly armed pirates, with timely support from the Indian Air Force, speak well of the Indian Navy’s high operational readiness and ability to respond decisively to maritime threats across the region,” Minister Singh stated on X.
“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. India continues to stand resolute in ensuring SAFE SEAS and a free, open and secure Indian Ocean Region,” the minister added.
My congratulations to #Indian Navy for successfully executing a meticulously coordinated 48-hour operation to rescue all 20 crew members of the pirated fishing vessel, Azini, more than 3000 km from Mumbai in the Arabian Sea, on 02 Nov 26. The swift localisation, interception and safe release of the crew and vessel from significantly-armed pirates, with timely support from the Indian Air Force, speak well of the Indian Navy’s high operational readiness and 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. India continues to stand resolute in ensuring SAFE SEAS and a free, open and secure Indian Ocean Region. #IndianNavy #IndianAirForce #SafeSeas
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 2, 2026
Notably, on 2nd November, the Indian Navy rescued 20 crew members of the pirated fishing vessel Azini in a coordinated 48-hour operation. The Indian Navy located and intercepted the vessel and secured the safe release of all 20 Iranian crew members from heavily armed pirates.
