New Delhi: Iran has thanked India, the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force for rescuing 20 of its nationals being held hostage by pirates on a fishing vessel off the coast of Somalia.
“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 in New Delhi posted on X.
“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,” it said.
“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,” the embassy added.
A 48-hour coordinated operation by the Indian Navy led to the rescue of the 20 Iranians on Monday, officials said. The fishing vessel was seized by Somali pirates on October 29.
The operation was carried out 3,000 km from Mumbai in the Arabian Sea, the officials said.
There was the possibility of the vessel being employed as a ‘mother ship’ for launching further pirate attacks against merchant shipping in the region, the Navy said, pointing to how the hijacking represented a significant maritime security threat.
“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 it’s movements and employed calibrated non-kinetic measures to contain its movement and prevent its escape,” the Navy said in a statement.
The operation also involved the dropping of marine commandos by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft.
“The successful operation is 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.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Navy for the “meticulously coordinated operation.”
“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 posted on X.
The Azini was hijacked between the coastal towns of Bandar Bayla and Hafun in northeastern Somalia, Associated Press reported on Sunday.
“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.
An Indian warship has been carrying out round-the-clock anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden at any time since October 23, 2008, to protect Indian sea-borne trade, instil confidence in the seafaring community and act as a deterrent for pirates.
