The Indian Navy rescued all 20 crew members of an Iranian fishing vessel, Azini, after a 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea on Monday. Somali pirates had hijacked the vessel on October 29.

The operation took place around 3,000 km from Mumbai, officials said. The Navy described the hijacking as a major maritime security threat, warning that pirates could use the vessel as a ‘mother ship’ to launch further attacks on merchant vessels in the region.

"Responding to the situation, the Indian Navy tasked a mission-deployed warship to intervene, supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Working in close coordination, these platforms located the vessel after persistent surveillance, tracked its movements and employed calibrated non-kinetic measures to contain its movement and prevent its escape," it said in a statement.

The operation also involved the deployment of marine commandos from an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft.

"The successful operation is a testament to the Indian Navy’s high operational preparedness and ability to undertake complex maritime security operations through seamless inter-service coordination. It also underscores India’s unwavering commitment to remaining First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region," the Navy added.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Navy for its “meticulously coordinated operation” and congratulated the personnel involved in the rescue.

"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," Singh wrote on X.

According to the Associated Press, pirates hijacked the Azini between the coastal towns of Bandar Bayla and Hafun in northeastern Somalia.

"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," Singh said.

The Indian Navy has maintained round-the-clock anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since October 23, 2008. At least one Indian warship remains deployed in the region at any given time to protect India's maritime trade, build confidence among the seafaring community and deter pirate attacks.