The rescue, conducted approximately 1400 nautical miles from the Indian coast, ensured the safe evacuation of all 17 crew members.

The Navy, in accordance with international law, took defensive measures and employed minimal force to counter the pirates' threat to shipping and seafarers.

"INS Sumitra, deployed on anti-piracy operations along the east coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, responded to a distress message regarding the hijacking of an Iranian flagged fishing vessel Iman," Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.