New Delhi: The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the Government of India, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force for rescuing 20 Iranian crew members of the fishing vessel Azini from pirates during a coordinated mission in the Arabian Sea.

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Commending the Indian Armed Forces for their efforts, the Iranian Embassy stated that the joint operation demonstrated India's commitment to humanitarian assistance and its active role in saving lives internationally.

In a statement published on X, the Embassy said: "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,” it added.

The embassy highlighted that the humanitarian operation serves 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 Indian Navy safely extracted all 20 crew members of the hijacked fishing vessel Azini during a meticulously executed 48-hour operation conducted more than 3,000 kilometres from Mumbai, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed.

The rescue was completed on November 2, after naval forces tracked down and intercepted the vessel, securing the release of the entire crew from heavily armed pirates.

Congratulating the Indian Navy on the successful mission, the Defence Minister noted that the operation highlighted the force's high operational readiness and its capability to respond decisively to maritime threats across the Indian Ocean Region.

In a post on X, Singh wrote: "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," he added.

Praising the military personnel involved, the Defence Minister stated: "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."

Reaffirming India's dedication to regional maritime security, Singh added that the country remains committed to maintaining safe sea lanes and ensuring a free, open, and secure Indian Ocean Region.

IANS